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Washington, Sep 30 - Iowa Congressman Tom Latham voted to stop additional out-of-control federal spending Wednesday evening and called on Congress to make a commitment to fiscal responsibility before it adjourns for the year.

Congressman Latham opposed a stopgap measure, known as a continuing resolution, to temporarily continue government operations at the current unsustainable spending levels beyond the end of the 2010 fiscal year, which expires on Sept. 30.  The continuing resolution extends the higher baselines in many federal agency budgets that already were bolstered by unnecessary stimulus dollars.  The resolution passed in the House by a vote of 228-194.

“The continuing resolution approved by the House of Representatives Wednesday night will only prolong the irresponsible spending policies that have slowed economic recovery and driven the federal debt to unprecedented levels,” Congressman Latham said.

A continuing resolution was necessary because the House failed to pass a budget this year, marking the first time since the current budgetary rules were enacted in the 1970s that the House of Representatives failed to consider a budget resolution.

“The economic downturn has forced families across the country to look at their budgets and find places to scale back,” Congressman Latham said. “Congress should be no different and must do better.  Our country simply can’t afford more reckless spending, but that’s exactly what will happen with passage of this continuing resolution.”

The resolution is among the final pieces of legislation approved by the House before Congress shuts down the current legislative session. That means the House will delay action to extend a wide range of tax relief measures that are set to expire at the end of the year.  

“It’s completely irresponsible for Congress to adjourn without addressing the job-killing tax increases that are scheduled to take effect next year,” Congressman Latham said. “Delaying action on the tax increases only adds to the economic uncertainty plaguing American families and small businesses right now.”