February 15, 2008

A Word from Zach Wamp

Government must live within its means

The American people have to make difficult financial decisions to live within their means, and they expect their leaders in Washington to do the same.

February is the month when Congress begins its budgeting process for next year. The president's budget request is merely a starting point; Congress has no binding obligation to follow it. It is simply the beginning of a discussion about how to better prioritize spending and impose some discipline while still meeting the most pressing needs of our country.

The debate will be spirited on how to best meet these needs while working toward a balanced budget, but it should not require an increased tax burden on working families. Making tax relief permanent for middle-class married couples, parents and workers is important for long-term economic prosperity. These pro-growth policies have a proven record of strengthening our work force, growing our economy and keeping America competitive.

As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, which is responsible for directing federal spending, I will work with my colleagues to carefully consider the needs of all federal programs while working to bring spending under control. The Republicans in Congress will attempt to hold the line on discretionary spending while focusing on policies that will truly stimulate the economy because when the economy grows, tax revenues increase without raising taxes.

Serving as the new ranking member of the Appropriations subcommittee that helps take care of our men and women in uniform and the courageous veterans who have ensured our freedom is the greatest honor and highest privilege of my professional life. The president's 2009 budget increases the record funding that Congress provided for veterans last year, raising the standard for these American heroes. These critical dollars will fund increases in veterans' health care, housing and cemeteries.

Reforms are still needed within the Department of Veterans Affairs as Congress must give our nation's veterans more choices and options in health care and benefits.

Part of the budget discussion needs to focus on how Congress can restore the American people's confidence in its ability to spend taxpayer dollars responsibly. Congress holds the power of the purse, not the executive branch. A thorough inspection of the earmark process is needed to apply how earmarks are decided in authorization, appropriations, tax and tariff bills and administration requests. I have called for a moratorium on earmarks until a bipartisan, bicameral joint select committee can make a full study of earmarks and recommend sweeping changes to help restore the public trust.

Just as American families have to sometimes sacrifice to live within their means, Congress should differentiate between essential and nonessential programs and tighten its belt. The president can best help the budgeting process by insisting that congressional leadership send him spending bills that are fiscally responsible and free of wasteful spending.

Congressman Zach Wamp’s editorial appeared in the February 15, 2008, edition of The Tennessean.