WASHINGTON   –  U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson (MO-08), who for weeks has demanded that Democratic congressional leaders produce a budget for the federal government, today responded to an announcement that the budget process will not occur in a year featuring a record $1.6 trillion federal deficit.

The unprecedented move marks the first time since the 1974 Budget Act was put into place that Congress will not pass a federal budget.

“It’s utterly and completely irresponsible that Congress would not show the American people what it plans to do with their tax dollars for the next year,” Emerson said.  “While Americans across the country are watching every penny, the liberal leadership of Congress has decided it does not need to be accountable to the people.  We simply cannot impose fiscal discipline on leaders if they refuse to show us how and where they are planning to spend trillions of dollars.”

As a result of the absence of a budget, Emerson says the process of funding federal programs and functions will likely be constructed by the majority party behind closed doors.

“Nancy Pelosi is setting a very dangerous precedent by allowing her majority to operate without a budget.  The lack of transparency is very disturbing,” Emerson said.  “We need a sharper focus on reducing spending than ever before.  The budget is an important tool to allow us to create fiscal responsibility for the nation, but congressional Democrats would rather ignore the fiscal realities facing the country and continue to spend big money on big government.”