I wanted to share with you the most recent fiscally-irresponsible legislation passed by the Democrat-controlled House of Representatives.  Last week, House Democrats passed H.R. 4785, a bill that would spend $5 billion to create two new programs that offer low-interest loans to homeowners for energy efficient improvements to their homes.  In and of itself, energy efficiency is a noble goal, but the federal government cannot continue to spend money it doesn't have.  Another problem with H.R. 4785 is that similar programs already exist and Speaker Pelosi and House Democrats rammed it through the House in the middle of the worst economic downturn of our lifetimes.  It’s clear that they are not getting the message and Democrats priorities are more out of whack than ever.

At a time where our deficits are spinning out-of-control and the American people are clamoring for fiscal responsibility from Washington, I believe asking taxpayers to spend $5 billion on duplicate programs is a terrible idea.  We don’t need new government programs now – we need to be cutting them.  We don’t need spending increases now – we need to be tightening our belts.  The majority party took this action immediately after Congress returned from the August District Work Period, during which I and my fellow lawmakers received a clear message that the American people want spending cuts rather than new spending.  For these reasons, I opposed this bill and will continue to stand against House Democrats’ out-of-touch tax and spend agenda.