WASHINGTON, DC—Assistant Democratic Leader James E. Clyburn today issued the following statement after House GOP Budget Chairman Paul Ryan released budget levels for the remainder of fiscal year 2011.

“Republicans are beginning to learn the meaning of ‘easier said than done.’ With great fanfare last fall, Republicans made a campaign promise to cut the budget by $100 billion. Today’s proposal falls $68 billion short. And at this level, we can expect serious job loss in critical sectors like law enforcement, education, and health care.

“We have to find ways to tighten our belts and tackle the deficit without cutting investments that create jobs. Democrats want to build on the progress made over the last two years. Thanks to the impact of Democratic initiatives, we have created over a million private sector jobs, the economy has now grown for six straight quarters, and personal disposable income is on the rise. We will continue to judge every measure by whether it creates jobs, strengthens the middle class and reduces the deficit.”