Senator Dan Coats (R-Ind.), the chairman of the Joint Economic Committee, today issued the following statement after voting for the final budget conference report, which would balance the federal budget within ten years:

“Today the Republican-led Senate affirmed our goal to govern within our means by passing the budget conference report. While far from perfect, this report sets a strong blueprint for Congress to follow as we move forward on legislation to help create jobs and address our nation's fiscal challenges. This budget balances within ten years without raising taxes, strengthens our national defense, supports regulatory reform and boosts economic growth, all while generating over five trillion dollars in savings. I am pleased that my amendments on cybersecurity and government efficiency were included in the final package.”  

 

The following sections were included in the final conference report as a result of amendments offered by Senator Coats:

 

Sec. 4380: To create a deficit-neutral reserve fund to improve cybersecurity. (Coats-Warner Amendment)

 

Sec. 4382: To create a deficit-neutral reserve fund for legislation that would encourage federal agencies to use existing property for office space rather than buying or leasing new property. (Coats Amendment)