Chris Van Hollen for Budget Ranking Member
Congressman Chris Van Hollen, former chairman of the DCCC, wants to be head the House Budget Committee:
Dear Democratic Colleague,Although we have made progress in rebuilding our economy, there is much hard work, coupled with hard decisions, ahead of us in the 112th Congress in order to fully return America to economic strength and prosperity.As the Vice Chair of the House Budget Committee, I know that many of these key decisions will be played out through the prism of the House Budget Committee. As I have said before, the budget is a reflection of our American values and priorities. It is a testament to what we believe in, and it is a path forward for our country.And, that is why I am writing today to ask you to join me in supporting Congressman Chris Van Hollen to be the Ranking Member of the House Budget Committee in the 112th Congress.I am strongly supporting his candidacy because I believe that his leadership, commitment to taking on the toughest fights, and clear vision would serve House Democrats well on the Budget Committee. I serve with Chris on Ways and Means, and I have seen firsthand that he has the right skills and right ability to serve as Ranking Member of the House Budget Committee.Democrats are committed to ensuring that we return to balanced budgets, pay down our debt, maintain a strong commitment to PAYGO, and put forth innovative, forward-thinking policies to drive economic growth in the private sector.Republicans have been clear in their priorities: support for tax cuts for the wealthiest one percent of Americans, even at the unsustainable cost of $700 billion; privatization of Social Security; and the remaking of one of our bedrock programs, Medicare, into a voucher system.The stark differences in our views for the nation will be played out through the Budget Committee, and I urge you to join me today in supporting Chris Van Hollen to be Budget Ranking Member.Sincerely,Allyson Y. SchwartzVice Chair, Committee on the Budget