|
|
News and Views |
|
Reckless
spending fills Labor, Health and Human Services Appropriations bill “It
is becoming apparent in this bill, and other Appropriations bills being
considered this year, that there is a trend of overspending where virtually
every program that has the support of some member of Congress is being
funded.” House Appropriations Ranking Republican Jerry Lewis said. “American
tax-payers cannot afford this kind of generosity. If the bill makes everyone in
Congress happy, than we are probably doing something wrong.” The
LHHS appropriations legislation contains large funding levels in many areas,
including a massive $5 billion for training and employment programs that have
questionable track-records. “American
taxpayers will gain little, if anything, from these government give-aways. This
kind of reckless spending is something none of us should accept – especially
in this time of economic downturn,” Lewis said. “At some point in the
Appropriations process, we need to make tough funding decisions – not just
continue to spend more taxpayer money.” While
this bill contains large spending levels for labor programs, other important
programs are greatly under-funded – including pandemic flu preparedness. The
bill contains $370 million for the program, which is $137 million below the
President’s request. Flu preparedness was also under-funded in fiscal year
2008 when $870 million was requested but not provided. “Many
of the programs contained in this bill are indeed worthy of our support – the
best prepare us for challenges to come, and bring much needed relief to the most
vulnerable among us,” Lewis said. “ However, as we move forward with regular
and traditional appropriations process on this bill – including an open rule
on the House floor – we must strive for a thriftier approach,” he continued. Click Here to Return to News & Views
|