Budget Conference Announces Bipartisan Deal

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after House Budget Chairman Paul Ryan and Senate Budget Chairman Patty Murray unveiled a two-year bipartisan budget deal. Cole served as a member of the bipartisan joint conference committee that was tasked with finding a budget by December 13.

The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013 sets overall discretionary spending at $1.012 trillion, which includes $63 billion in sequester relief and $85 billion in other savings, including mandatory savings and non-tax revenue. It also includes a short-term "doc-fix" that prevents most cuts to Medicare reimbursements.

"I am very pleased by the proposal unveiled by Chairmen Paul Ryan and Patty Murray," said Cole. "By leading and working together, they have proven that, despite inevitable differences and sometimes-conflicting priorities, we can find common ground.

"Hardworking American families desperately want their government to stop budgeting by short-term, continuing resolutions or refusing to talk at all. When I remember the pain caused by the recent shutdown, I am encouraged that this conference was able to reach a deal that finds real savings, eases sequester and brings down the deficit.

"We must continue finding common sense reforms that improve our economic outlook, bring down the deficit and provide a better future for our children and grandchildren. This budget deal is proof that is still possible."

For a copy of the bill text, click here.

For a summary of the of the deal, click here.

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