Today, the Obama Administration released its budget proposal for the 2017 fiscal year. Chairman Bishop (R-UT) issued the following statement:

“To defend this budget would require spin with dexterity that only a Las Vegas contortionist can accomplish,” Bishop said.

On Energy:
“President Obama stubs out the last bit of leverage the country has from our recent energy renaissance and told low-income American families to foot the bill on this budget. Levying this tax on affordable energy is a fantasy for President Obama and his pathetic and tiresome attempt to build a legacy with the far left. As he seeks to eliminate opportunities for American citizens with his $10-a-barrel scheme, we lose our competitive edge and are forced to rely upon countries like Iran to meet our energy needs.”

On Federal Land Management:
“This is a missed opportunity for strong stewardship of the land and taxpayer dollars. I expected more from Secretary Jewell’s department. She deserves better material to give Congress than what has been provided to her by the department. Her staff let her down.”

On Lack of Creativity:
“We need creative solutions to sustain and expand a strong and affordable domestic energy portfolio. We need innovative ideas to solve catastrophic wildfires destroying millions of acres of federal forests and severe droughts across the West—not more campaign slogans and regulatory red tape. Our resources present an opportunity for economic growth and energy independence, but the Administration would rather send those jobs overseas and further tax the American people.”

Silver Lining:  
“The only comfort in the president’s budget is knowing it will be his last.”