Rogers: Resolution Will Show We Are Serious About Reducing Spending

Apr 12, 2011
Press Release

Rogers: Resolution Will Show We Are Serious About Reducing Spending

 
WASHINGTON, D.C. – House Appropriations Chairman Hal Rogers spoke in support of House Resolution 38 – legislation directing spending cuts to the fiscal year 2008 levels or less – on the floor of the House today.
 
The statement by Chairman Rogers follows:
 
“Mr. Speaker,
 
“I rise today in support of House Resolution 38. This resolution will help our effort to reduce discretionary spending to fiscal year 2008 levels, and show the American people today that we are serious about reducing the out-of-control government spending that is hampering our economic growth.
 
“The message from the American people was crystal clear in this last election: they want government to spend less, stop undue interference in American lives and businesses, and take action to create jobs and get our economy moving again.
 
“To do this, we must dramatically cut the massive spending that has dominated discretionary budgets in past years. In order to put our economy on the fast-track to recovery, we have to shorten the reach of Uncle Sam, cut up his credit cards, and allow American businesses the opportunity to grow.
 
“Starting with the Continuing Resolution, also known as a CR, my Committee will begin to make the largest series of spending cuts in history. Members and staff are working diligently on this right now -- going line by line to find specific areas and programs to cut. We hope and expect this legislation will soon be brought to the floor in a fair, open and transparent manner – giving all Members from both sides of the aisle the opportunity for amendments.
 
“Let there be no mistake: the cuts that are coming will not be easy to make. They will not represent “low-hanging fruit.” 
 
“These cuts will go deep and wide, and will hit virtually every agency and every Congressional district in this country, including my own.
 
“Every dollar that we cut will have a constituency, an industry, an association, and individual citizens who will disagree with us. And, every dollar that we don’t cut will also be put into question.
 
“However, the fact remains that we are in a national fiscal crisis. We must get our budgets – both discretionary and mandatory – under control.
 
“To this end, my Committee will put forward Appropriations bills this year that will fulfill our pledge to cut spending to the pre-stimulus, pre-bailout levels of 2008. And, this will be the beginning – not the end – of our effort. I have issued instructions to all twelve of our subcommittees to conduct strenuous oversight – including investigations and hundreds of hearings – to weed out duplicative, wasteful and unnecessary spending, and prioritize federal programs so that we can make the most out of every precious tax dollar.
 
“Mr. Speaker – it is clear that cutting spending will require toughness and resolve. This won’t be easy, it won’t be quick, and it won’t be without pain, but the success of our economy and our future prosperity depend on it.
 
“Thank you.”

112th Congress