Rogers: Ryan Proposal a “Valiant Effort to Effect Real Change” in Federal Budgets

House Appropriations Chairman Hal Rogers today spoke on the House floor in support of the Republican budget proposal put forth by Rep. Paul Ryan, Chairman of the House Budget Committee. The Ryan budget would reduce federal spending by $6 trillion over the next decade, prevent tax hikes, and reform entitlement programs to rein in the nation’s unsustainable and job-crushing deficits and debt.

The statement by Chairman Rogers follows:

“I rise today to commend Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan’s effort to craft a sustainable and responsible budget proposal.

“This budget represents a valiant effort to effect real change in the way Washington spends taxpayer dollars. This plan couples tangible spending cuts with the entitlement reform necessary to get our budgets back into balance starting now and continuing into the long term.

“This Republican majority understands that we must end the skyrocketing budgets of the last several years and this budget reiterates our commitment to smart but limited government spending.

“The resolution includes an annual discretionary spending level of $1.019 trillion for next year - bringing us back to the fiscal year 2006 funding levels for non-security programs. This is a reduction of an additional $31 billion from the level that we just passed in the Continuing Resolution earlier today.

“Based on the experience we’ve just had in bringing the FY 2011 budget to a close, this will present significant challenges to the Appropriations Committee in the weeks and months ahead. This will not be an easy task, but I know that with the support of House Members, we will rise to the challenge.

“In addition, while I commend the budget resolution for making such significant strides to rein in spending and address long-term budget challenges, some concern remain over various budget process changes that may have unintended consequences.

“For example, the Appropriations Committee may be faced with challenges related to our Emergency Authority after May 31st – the beginning of the hurricane season – due to limitations on the Committee’s ability to respond to natural disasters and other emergencies. Along these same lines, there may be challenges related to the Committee’s flexibility to provide for additional funding – beyond expected needs – for the Global War on Terror and our military efforts overseas.

“I look forward to working with Chairman Ryan and the leadership to address these as well as other process concerns as we go forward.

“Mr. Speaker, these matters aside, I applaud the budget proposal today. It will help put us back on a path of sustainable spending, allow for job creation and economic growth, and help us make the right fiscal decisions for our nation's future.”