Washington, D.C.—Senator Tom Cotton today released the following statement on the Senate's passage of a budget resolution:

"Today the Senate passed a balanced budget that rightly reins in federal spending and eliminates waste. I was pleased the final resolution included two amendments I offered that are particularly important to Arkansas. The first amendment will improve prevention and treatment measures to better mitigate the impact of virus outbreaks, such as the avian flu, on Arkansas agriculture industry. The second amendment requires the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to consider the total potential economic impact of any new critical habitat designation. 
 
"While I wish this budget included more direct funding for our national defense, its increase in Overseas Contingency Operations funding is a step in the right direction. Arkansans learn from an early age that you can't spend more than you take in. And as deeply patriotic people, we also learn the importance of supporting our military. Rest assured, I am committed to teaching my fellow lawmakers in Washington these same lessons."