WASHINGTON, DC—Today, the co-chairs of the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction announced the conclusion of its work. Representative Xavier Becerra (CA-31), Vice Chair of the House Democratic Caucus and member of the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction, released the following statement:

“The path forward was clear. The elements of a balanced plan for job creation and deficit reduction were in front of us. Unfortunately, the Joint Select Committee has missed a huge opportunity. 

This is not the outcome I had hoped for. The American people deserve a better deal than the looming automatic cuts to important federal services. 

Yet, one truth has not changed: despite our differences, we must figure out how to get Americans back to work and our country back on track. For, in the end, it's not about Republicans or Democrats, it's about America and her families. So, tomorrow we pick up the pieces and go back to work. 

I thank our Co-Chairs Senator Patty Murray and Congressman Jeb Hensarling for accepting this challenge to lead the twelve of us in this difficult task. I express my gratitude to them and each one of my Committee colleagues for their efforts as we worked to find a bipartisan compromise. And I especially thank Leader Nancy Pelosi for honoring me with this assignment and the great responsibility that came with it.”