HAL ROGERS

Contact: Stefani Zimmerman 202-225-4601

Washington, DC, Dec 1 - Today’s CR is nothing but a continuation of the culture of overspending, persistence of a broken process, and a refusal to make the tough decisions, end earmarks, and do the job we were sent here to do.

As a result, our federal spending is off the charts. We’re staring at another trillion dollar budget deficit. Debts are stacking up over $13 trillion. Unemployment continues to hover around 10 percent. And, congressional public approval remains at an all time low.

For the past two years, the Administration has been given a free pass with an unlimited credit card. The results are mind-boggling: 27% growth in non-defense discretionary spending since 2008 – and that’s not including the bailouts and failed stimulus! Meanwhile, the Appropriations Committee hasn’t done its job. No checks, no balances, no discipline.

What do we have to show for our “work” this year? A 2-week extension of more of the same. A date change is the sum total of the work of the Appropriations Committee. Disappointing to say the least.

I believe we can do much better by:
o severely cutting spending
o conducting rigorous and thoughtful oversight
o changing the culture of Appropriations
o and performing outreach – inside and outside the Congress.

Fortunately, I believe wholesale change is coming. We’ve got to cut discretionary spending and exert fiscal discipline on fat agencies. We’ve got to stop the Administration’s regulatory war on small businesses and working families and reign in out-of-control bureaucracies like the EPA.

And, we’ve got to start listening to the American people’s views rather than building these bills in the Speaker’s office behind closed doors. Let’s let the light in and open up some closets around here!

Madam Speaker, I urge the House to reject this shameful two-week delay, cut spending, return to regular order, and conduct our business out in the open.