U.S.Representative Mike Kelly Votes to Keep Government Open, Cut Six Billion in Spending
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Julia Thornton
March 16, 2011 202-225-5406
U.S.Representative Mike Kelly Votes to Keep Government Open, Cut Six Billion in Spending
Washington, D.C.—U.S. Representative Mike Kelly (PA-03) issued the following statement on today’s vote to pass a second short-term Continuing Resolution (CR), keeping the government open for an additional three weeks and cutting $6 billion in the process:
“The previous Congress did not pass a budget for 2011. It was a colossal failure in leadership and this Congress has been left to pick up the pieces. Committed to getting Washington’s financial house in order and tackling the $14 trillion debt that threatens our economic recovery, House Republicans have risen to the challenge, passing budgets that keep the government open while saving taxpayers billions of dollars.
“The first budget passed, H.R. 1, would fund the government for the remainder of 2011 while reducing spending by $100 billion. Although supported by some Senate Democrats, the House bill failed to pass the Senate because the Democrat Leadership claimed the cuts, which amounted to a 2 percent reduction from the previous year, were too steep. With three consecutive years of trillion dollar deficits and debt nearing 100 percent of GDP, it’s hard to argue that a 2 percent cut is too steep, especially compared to the sacrifices families have been making during these tough economic times.
“According to U.S.Census Bureau data, while the median family income fell by 4.2 percent from 2007 to 2011, the federal government’s budget grew by 36 percent. As Americans have been tightening their belts, the government has loosened its, getter fatter and more bloated than ever.
“The days of Washington’s runaway spending have to end, and H.R. 1 is an important first step toward building a stronger, more viable U.S. economy. House Republicans have taken the lead in answering America’s call for government to live within its means, and we’ve just given the Senate and White House three more weeks to decide if they will follow. The choice is theirs. I sincerelyhope they will join us.”
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