WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger today issued the following statement after the administration released its proposed budget for fiscal year (FY) 2021.

“The president’s budget is a reflection of the administration’s priorities—and once again, the administration’s budget plan shows a clear disregard for programs that protect the health of our neighbors, increase opportunity for our kids, and strengthen the overall security of our Central Virginia communities. Among the unnecessary cuts throughout its hundreds of pages, this unrealistic budget blueprint includes senseless cuts to Social Security and Medicare. These popular and effective programs serve as lifelines for thousands of Central Virginia seniors and families who were repeatedly promised these hard-earned benefits throughout their lives—and it’s unacceptable to turn our backs on these promises.

“Additionally, this topline budget outlines substantial cuts to rural broadband programs, which would hamper ongoing projects and prevent additional Virginia communities from closing the digital divide in their areas. And as a Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, I’m also concerned by major cuts to the State Department. Reduced investment in U.S. diplomatic efforts could cripple our ability to prevent and respond to national security threats abroad—including infectious diseases and terror threats.

“Despite across-the-board cuts, the President’s budget would not set our country on a responsible long-term fiscal path. Instead, it would cause our national debt to skyrocket beyond $30 trillion over the next decade. Going forward, I’ll be pushing back against reckless cuts to critical programs, because this budget is not financially prudent, does not reflect Central Virginia’s values, and leaves Central Virginia seniors, families, and communities behind.”

The President’s Budget outlines significant cuts that would impact Central Virginia, including by:

• Dramatically reducing support for Central Virginia seniors and their families. The President’s FY2021 budget proposal would slash Social Security funding by $24 billion—and it would reduce Medicare spending by approximately $550 billion over the next 10 years.   

• Cutting funding to expand high-speed internet infrastructure in rural communities in Central Virginia. The President’s FY2021 budget would cut funding for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) broadband internet projects by $305 million. Overall, the topline budget proposes an 8 percent cut to the USDA’s funding.

• Slashing Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funding to prevent terror attacks and keep Central Virginia communities safe. The topline budget cuts FEMA federal assistance—including state and local grants that help communities address terror threats and increase disaster preparedness—by nearly $747 million.

• Eliminating funding for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. As in each previous year of this administration, the FY2021 budget proposes eliminating PSLF for students hoping to enter public service professions—including first responders, nurses, and public school teachers.

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