FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 14, 2011

Paulsen Votes for Largest Annual Spending Cut in American History
Saves Hundreds of Billions of Dollars Over the Next Decade

Washington, DC – Fulfilling part of his pledge to cut wasteful Washington spending, Rep Erik Paulsen (MN-03) today voted for the largest annual spending cut in American history. This cost-cutting measure will keep the government operating through September, create private sector jobs and put our country back on a path to prosperity.

“Today, we’ve begun the process of ending Washington’s wasteful spending spree and changing the culture of bloated bureaucracy that has plagued Washington for too long,” said Paulsen. “The package passed today sets the stage for long-term budget solutions that will spur job creation and get Minnesotans back to work. I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of aisle as we continue to cut spending and move towards restoring fiscal discipline in Washington.”

Key facts of the spending agreement include:

• Largest Non-Defense Spending Cut in American History.The agreement will enact the largest non-defense spending cut in dollar terms in American history, and the biggest overall reduction since World War II. Subject to Congressional Budget Office (CBO) scoring, the agreement has a reduction in spending of nearly $40 billion and spends $78.5 billion less than what the President requested to spend in FY 2011.
• Hundreds of Billions in Spending Cuts Over the Next Decade. The agreement will cut $315 billion from the federal budget over the next ten years.
• Funds Our Troops.  The agreement funds our troops and provides them with the resources they need to succeed in their missions at home and abroad. 
• Reduces Congress’ Own Budget. The agreement cuts the Legislative Branch by $103 million over last year’s level.

Paulsen, a champion of small business and advocate of free enterprise, entrepreneurship, and innovation currently serves on the House Ways and Means Committee, and is co-chair of the Congressional Korea-U.S. Free Trade Working Group and co-chair of the House Medical Technology Caucus.

For more information on Rep. Paulsen’s work in Congress, please visit www.paulsen.house.gov.

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