WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, issued the following statement regarding the two-year budget approved by the Senate.

“Progress. This budget may be far from perfect, but it makes considerable progress in removing the harmful effects of sequestration, setting priorities, and putting our nation back on a more stable fiscal footing. It also allows us to pay our bills and uphold the full faith and credit of the United States of America. And for the first time in years, it does all this without adding financial burdens to hard-working federal employees.

“On behalf of the seniors in Maryland who were confounded by a zero cost of living adjustment for Social Security but a 52 percent increase in Medicare Part B premiums, I am pleased that we were able to find a third way forward that prevents significant increases in premiums. We also added to the ongoing efforts to keep the cost of prescription drugs affordable and accessible.

“Now the race is on to December 11 to finalize the appropriations process under these revised budgetary guidelines. Our nation cannot afford any more shutdowns. No more sequestration. No more temporary Continuing Resolutions. We have a two-year budget and now we need to finish the job with a full-year appropriations bill.”

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