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Skriven 2005-02-07 23:33:30 av Whitehouse Press (1:3634/12.0)
Ärende: Press Release (0502074) for Mon, 2005 Feb 7
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Fact Sheet: The 2006 Budget--Meeting the Nation's Priorities
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For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
February 7, 2005

Fact Sheet: The 2006 Budget--Meeting the Nation's Priorities



The President's Budget builds on his first term's progress by focusing
resources on the Nation's priorities while exercising responsible spending
restraint in order to achieve the President's goal of cutting the deficit
in half by 2009. The 2006 Budget funds efforts to defend the homeland,
transform our military for the 21st Century, support our troops as they
fight the War on Terror, spread freedom throughout the world, promote high
standards in our schools, and continue the pro-growth economic policies
that have helped to produce millions of new jobs. Meanwhile, overall
discretionary spending grows by only 2.1% under the President's Budget -
less than the projected rate of inflation - even with significant increases
in defense and homeland security. Non-security discretionary spending is
reduced by nearly 1% - the first such proposed cut since the Reagan
Administration. The Budget contains more than 150 reductions and
terminations of non-defense discretionary programs, saving over $20 billion
in 2006. The Budget also contains $137 billion in savings over 10 years in
mandatory spending. By holding Federal programs to a firm test of
accountability and focusing resources on top priorities, we are taking the
steps necessary to achieve the President's deficit-reduction goals. With
the Budget submitted by the President, the deficit is forecast to fall from
3.5% of GDP in 2005 to 3% in 2006, and to 1.5% by 2009, well below the
40-year historical average of 2.3% of GDP.

Defending our Nation from attack by increasing funding for defense,
homeland security, and international assistance and security efforts,
including: 4.8% more for overall Defense spending than in 2005, a
41%-increase since 2001. $3 billion, an increase of $1.5 billion over 2005,
to expand the Millennium Challenge Account. $120 million for the Middle
East Partnership Initiative to support political and economic reform in the
Middle East and North Africa. An 8% increase in government-wide,
non-defense homeland security spending over 2005.

Building on pro-growth economic policies by expanding opportunity and
education for all Americans, including: $10 billion over 10 years in tax
incentives to create economic Opportunity Zones in areas transitioning to
new and emerging industries. $200 million to provide home purchase
downpayment assistance to 40,000 low-income families. $1.5 billion for the
President's High School Initiative to extend No Child Left Behind (NCLB)
reforms into high schools through testing and programs for at-risk youth. A
51% overall increase in K-12 education funding since 2001, including over
$13.3 billion for Title I grants in 2006. A $28-billion increase for
student-aid programs through 2015, including an increase in the maximum
Pell Grant award by $500 over five years, the retirement of the Pell Grant
shortfall, and additional benefits for student borrowers.

Assisting those most in need by promoting accessible health care, fighting
the global HIV/AIDS pandemic, and supporting the efforts of faith-based and
community groups to transform lives, including: $2 billion for Health
Centers in medically underserved areas, a $304-million increase over 2005,
to fulfill the President's commitment to create or expand 1,200 centers by
2006 and begin meeting his commitment to establish a health center in every
high-poverty county. $1 billion in grants over two years for Cover the
Kids, a new campaign to enroll eligible, low-income children in Medicaid
and the State Children's Health Insurance Program. $3.2 billion, $382
million more than in 2005, to continue the President's Emergency Plan for
AIDS Relief. $385 million for five programs arising from the President's
Faith-Based and Community Initiative.

Providing vital resources to advance scientific research, develop clean and
affordable sources of energy, and maintain our commitment to our Nation's
parks, including: An unprecedented $132.3 billion for Federal research and
development, a 45% increase since 2001, including a record $5.6 billion for
the National Science Foundation, an increase of $132 million over 2005.
Over $1 billion to support the development of reliable, affordable, and
emissions-free sources of energy, including hydrogen fuel, clean coal, and
cutting-edge nuclear technology. A $144 million increase to continue
upgrading National Park Service facilities.

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