CRAPO: SPENDING RESTRAINT IS PRIORITY

Washington, DC â?? Idaho Senator Mike Crapo joined with his colleagues on the Senate Budget Committee as the Presidentâ??s Fiscal Year (FY) 2006 budget proposal was delivered to Capitol Hill. The Budget Committee will be holding hearings over the next month on the spending proposal as it works to develop an FY 2006 budget resolution. Crapo said, â??The President has recognized that spending restraint is needed to meet our goals for deficit reduction. It is heartening that overall discretionary spending increases only 2.1 percent. While our nation faces many challenges that must be met regarding homeland security and our military readiness, it is imperative that we live within our means and wisely spend taxpayer dollars. I anticipate significant discussion over the Presidentâ??s proposals and look forward to the debate that will ensue in the next few weeks.â?? â??I will also remain alert regarding Idahoâ??s priorities in the budget,â?? Crapo concluded. â??In the past few years, we have been able to secure funds for nuclear research and salmon recovery in Idaho. As a member of the Senate Budget Committee, I will work with the rest of Idahoâ??s congressional delegation to make sure that Idaho continues to be well-represented in the priorities set by the committee.â?? A satellite feed with Crapoâ??s comments and B-roll of the budget arrival on Capitol Hill is available today: 2:30-2:50 p.m. Mountain/1:30-1:50 p.m. EasternGalaxy 3 (C-Band)Transponder 6 Vertical Downlink 3820 Standard audio # # # FOR INTERESTED MEDIA: A radio actuality is available by calling 1-800-545-1267. Press 327 at any time during or after the greeting and instructions. You can also access the actuality through the Internet at http://src.senate.gov/radio/.