Barr votes with House majority for Budget Act of 2015

U.S. Rep. Andy Barr (R-KY) voted on Wednesday for the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015, which the House passed 266-to-167.

Despite reservations regarding the budget process, Barr said he felt the bill is a step in the right direction in terms of providing more support to the military.

“Most importantly, this agreement strengthens our national security and provides much-needed certainty and stability to our military at a time of increased volatility and threats around the world,” Barr said. “My recent meetings with General (Sean) MacFarland in Iraq and General (John) Campbell in Afghanistan reinforced my strong belief that national security is the most important responsibility of the federal government. But under this commander in chief, our military has suffered repeated cuts. This budget will end this dangerous deterioration in our national defense and ensure our troops have the tools they need to keep us safe.”

Barr said the bill will render savings of $75.6 billion over 10 years and sets discretionary spending levels at $56 billion less in 2016 and $70 billion less in 2017 than the House-passed budget of 2011.

“The agreement also trades short-term discretionary sequester relief for long-term recurring and compounding savings in mandatory spending, including $168 billion in reforms to the Social Security Disability Insurance Program, which would otherwise go bankrupt as early as next year,” Barr said. “This budget also prevents a 52 percent spike in Medicare Part B premiums for seniors.”