Today, Rep. Pete Aguilar issued a statement in response to President Donald Trump’s “skinny budget,” which outlines the priorities of the federal budget for Fiscal Year 2018. The president’s proposal would gut funding for critical federal programs affecting San Bernardino County residents, such as affordable housing, after school and summer programs, work-study aid, and transportation and infrastructure projects including the Redlands Passenger Rail, which is funded through the TIGER grant program.

“In his first few months in office, the president has repeatedly shown his disregard for middle-class American families and this budget is a reflection of that,” said Rep. Aguilar. He continued, “The president’s plan would force Inland Empire families to pay for a border wall between the United States and Mexico, while stripping our community of affordable homeownership opportunities, job training programs, student aid and critical infrastructure investments that our region desperately needs. Donald Trump’s policy priorities are completely inconsistent with the Inland Empire’s needs and values.”

The president’s budget would also cut investments in counterterrorism funding, medical research, environmental protections and more. Rep. Aguilar has repeatedly opposed President Trump’s destructive and divisive policy priorities and remains committed to fighting any actions by the Trump Administration that threaten San Bernardino County families.