Since coming into office in 2009, President Obama and I have taken important steps to avoid potential economic collapse, and strengthen the American economy for future generations. America’s families have tightened their belts during these difficult times, and government needs to do the same. That is why the Fiscal Year 2012 budget looks for opportunities to cut waste and streamline operations – but also proposes cutting programs that the President and I care about to work towards controlling the deficits. Last year, USDA provided $4 billion to help pay down the debt by renegotiating an agreement with crop insurance companies. This budget continues that commitment to deficit reduction – proposing a nearly $2 billion decrease from our request for Fiscal Year 2011.
