Carter Statement on the President’s Budget Proposal

Today, Rep. John R. Carter released the following statement on President Trump’s FY18 budget request released this morning, which includes increases in national security, homeland security, and justice programs. The President’s request includes $668 billion for national defense, $54 billion above the budget cap in current law, fully offsetting this increase with non-defense reductions. It also includes $44.1 billion for Homeland Security and $27.7 billion for the Justice department. This includes $2.6 billion in border security infrastructure and technology, $300 million for additional Border Patrol agents and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) law enforcement personnel, and $1.5 billion for expanded detention and removal of illegal immigrants.

“I have long been a fierce supporter of our military, our veterans, and those who secure our borders and protect our communities. I’m grateful to finally have a President committed to rebuilding our military, defending our borders and securing our great nation.” 

“While it is ultimately Congress’ job to pass a budget and fund the government, what the President has set forth is a good framework for us to build on, that seeks to balance the budget and reduce our debt, while making no cuts to Social Security or Medicare. Through his budget proposal released today, President Trump is pursuing priorities we both share: rebuilding our military, supporting our soldiers and their families, securing our border, taking care of our veterans, and supporting those who work day in and day out to keep our communities safe.”

For more information on the White House budget request, please visit: https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/budget

Rep. Carter represents Texas District 31, which includes Fort Hood, the largest active duty armored military installation in the free world. He serves as Chairman of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Appropriations, co-chairman of the Congressional Army Caucus, is on the Subcommittee for Commerce, Justice and Science and the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee.