Collins votes in favor of budget deal

The House of Representatives approved a budget deal today that cuts about $23 billion from the federal deficit over 10 years and also holds off the threat of a possible government shutdown until 2015.

U.S. Rep. Chris Collins, R-Clarence, backed the measure, although he said it fell “painfully short” in reining in the costs of entitlement programs.

The deal passed the House 332-94 and now heads to the Senate.

Collins issued this statement:

“Tonight I voted in favor of the congressional budget compromise that passed the House with strong bipartisan support. This agreement is far from perfect, but it does reduce our deficit by $23 billon and locks in discretionary spending at levels below what the House GOP budget called for. In addition, the agreement cuts spending in a smart, targeted away and avoids the pain caused by the President’s sequester, especially for our brave men and women in the military.”

“This agreement, however, falls painfully short in its total lack of entitlement program reform. It is my hope that as we move into a new year, the President and Congress can find the political courage to address this critical issue to ensure that Social Security and Medicare are strong for both current beneficiaries and future generations.”