Washington, Mar 24 - U.S. Congressman Mike Pence, made the following statement regarding the President’s budget today:

“These are very difficult times in the life of our nation. I saw it firsthand in the faces of farmers and small business owners, with whom I met in Rushville, Indiana, just this last Friday. We sat around a small kitchen table in that farmhouse and I heard how those small business owners were making the tough choices. They were practicing fiscal responsibility and they were in what they called the ‘survival mode’ for their business and their farm to get through these difficult times.

“Hoosiers are finding their way through this downturned economy and they want us to put our fiscal house in order here in Washington D.C. Instead, the President’s budget, bringing forward the largest tax increase in American history, record deficits and adding nearly $1 trillion to the national debt every year for the next 10 years. The President’s budget is the most fiscally irresponsible budget in the history of the United States.

“And even worse, it pays for this massive expansion of more government, more spending, and more bailouts on the backs of small business owners and working families and every American household in the form of the President’s national energy tax.

“Hoosiers, and the American people want this debate. They know the President’s budget spends too much, taxes too much and borrows too much. And they know in their heart of hearts that there’s a better way. Republicans, this week, will begin the process of offering a better solution. A substantive, comprehensive budget alternative that will be built on the values Hoosiers are practicing every day during these difficult times. Fiscal restraint and growth. Let the debate begin.”