Congressman Bill Owens says he voted today against Republican House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan’s controversial 2012 budget plan because of fears it would cripple Medicare and Social Security and stifle the recent momentum behind job creation in the country.

“While we all agree that it is well past time to cut federal spending and get our fiscal house in order, we must do so in a responsible way that does not cripple Medicare or Social Security, or stifle the momentum we have seen in the way of job creation,” Owens said.

“Mr. Ryan’s priorities do not reflect the values of Upstate New York. It is my hope that we can come together once again and incorporate the best ideas from President Obama and both sides of the aisle in Congress as Washington moves forward to craft a 2012 budget that focuses on job creation, deficit and debt reduction, and turning the nation’s view to one of bipartisan problem solving, leading us to continued prosperity.”

The budget resolution passed the U.S. House of Representatives today by a vote of 235-193.

Democratic leaders in the Senate and President Obama have indicated that the plan will not attain their approval.