New Congress, new checks on spending
November 17, 2010
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republicans united to pass several reforms to curb different avenues of spending. U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., member of the Senate Budget and Finance Committees and an accountant, was an original cosponsor of many of the proposals.
“We pulled together, united by the spirit of the elections. The American people have let us know loud and clear that they are fed up with the way money flows so freely in and out of Washington. We hear the message that business as usual is no longer acceptable,” said Enzi.“I am hopeful our friends on the other side of the aisle will consider joining us in enacting these policies or similar money-saving measures. The public expects progress from both parties.”
The Proposals
The Republican Conference passed resolutions to cap discretionary spending at 2008 levels, ban earmarks for the 112th Congress, cancel approximately $12 billion in unspent federal stimulus funds, support a balanced budget Constitutional amendment, freeze hiring on non-security federal employees, forbid unfunded mandates on state and local governments and a ban any new entitlement programs. Enzi voted in favor of the resolutions. The Conference also encouraged the Democratic Conference to adopt the earmark ban.
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