Kosmas votes against House budget

U.S. Rep. Suzanne Kosmas, a New Smyrna Beach Democrat whose district includes Kennedy Space Center, voted against a proposed 2010 federal budget that passed in the House today along largely party lines.

Here's a statement from her office:

"The budget put forward by House Leadership outlines many priorities that are important for moving our country forward: comprehensive energy reform; a 21st Century education for our children; and access to quality, affordable health care for all Americans.

Though there are areas of the budget that I support, my priority is helping Central Florida through these difficult economic times, and I believe the Senate's proposed budget does more to protect jobs in our community.

Thousands of jobs at Kennedy Space Center and tens of thousands across Florida are at risk due to the pending spaceflight gap. Unlike the Senate version, the House budget does not give NASA the flexibility to fly the Space Shuttle past 2010.

"As the recent delays in launching Discovery have shown, a Shuttle launch schedule can be unpredictable. Setting a hard deadline for Shuttle retirement could cause dangerous schedule pressure and risk jobs. I will keep fighting to ensure that NASA has the flexibility it needs to maintain safety and retain a highly skilled workforce."

Here's a brief Associated Press report on the House budget action:

WASHINGTON (AP) - The Democratic-controlled House of Representatives has approved a budget blueprint drawn to President Barack Obama's specifications. The Senate is ready to follow suit.

The developments come on a day administration allies rejected alternatives advanced by liberals and conservatives alike.

The budgets in the House and Senate call for higher spending on domestic programs and clear the way for action later in the year on Obama's priority items of health care, energy and education.

Republicans in both houses contend the plans spend and tax too much and will leave the nation with deficits that are too large.

The House vote was 233-196, along party lines.