NY Democrats criticize Obama’s budget compromise, with Rep. Rangel calling it ‘immoral’
New York’s congressional delegation trashed President Obama‘s budget compromise Monday, calling it “irresponsible,” “dangerous” and “immoral.”
“What [Obama has] done politically does not fit what I think should be done morally,” said Rep. Charles Rangel (D-Harlem), who signaled plans to vote against the budget this week. “My community got a lousy deal in view of the resources that this great nation has.”
Obama reached an 11th-hour compromise late Friday that narrowly averted a government shutdown by slashing $38.5 billion in federal spending over the next six months.
It’s not clear how much of that cut will affect New York – but local pols say the city will suffer more than most.
“The budget…will hurt New York City terribly,” said Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-Manhattan). “Many of the things hurt like mass transit and public housing funds are particularly New York oriented.”
The MTA is likely to get slammed, which could mean even more fare hikes or service cuts, Nadler warned.
Money also getting slashed: Economic development, help feeding the poor, elderly in nursing homes, child care and Pell grants for college students.
The cuts “would be an outright disaster for our communities,” Nadler said.
The whacks come as the city struggles to absorb the impact of state budget cuts – and as congressional Dems brace for even deeper cuts as talks start this week on the 2012 federal budget.
An analysis by Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-Queens) estimated the House GOP‘s proposed 2012 budget would cut funding to New York City by more than $94 billion over 10 years.
“Republicans want to permanently extend tax cuts to millionaires and billionaires without paying for it,” Weiner said. “GOP priorities are out of sync with the rest of the country.”
Obama was taking heavy fire from local pols on the budget deal during a City Hall news conference.
Rangel says Obama can still count on African-American support – despite his compromise with Republican budget-slashers.
“He can depend on the overwhelming support of minorities in this country, not because we are so excited about the budget and his decisions, but we know the eyes of the Devil that are the alternatives,” he said. ” They’re not giving us any excuse at all to change Presidents.”