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Each year, Congress goes through the grueling process of putting together a budget. The process begins with the President submitting his budget to Congress. Then it is up to Congress to set a spending limit and decide which programs will be funded. Unfortunately, this process does not usually stay on schedule or within budget. This will have to change or spending will continue to increase along with our national deficit.
I am pleased to report that last year, Congress made a noteworthy attempt to reduce spending. Last year, Congress completed each spending bill individually while holding non-security spending below the previous year’s level. By finishing each of the spending bills separately, Congress avoided passing a catch all spending package, which is notorious for high spending levels and pork projects. In addition, Congress temporarily funded government operations at the lowest possible rate until Congress completed work on the overall budget. Also last year, the House refused to fund over a dozen new programs and eliminated 53 programs saving taxpayers over $3.5 billion. Congress also worked on the Deficit Reduction Act, which the President signed into law this year that will reduce the deficit by $39 billion and reform important government programs to eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse. This progress shows a genuine effort to control spending, but we must do more.
The budget that the President sent to Congress this year, proposes $2.77 trillion in total spending, an increase of $61 billion or 2.2 percent. Non-security discretionary spending would be reduced by $2.2 billion or 0.5 percent below FY 2006. By reducing non-security discretionary spending, the President's budget funds America's priorities--defending our nation, protecting our borders, growing the economy and providing additional hurricane relief--while reducing the deficit.
Now it is Congress's turn at the budget. Over the next few weeks we will be holding committee meetings and debating the budget. I was recently appointed to the Budget Task Force to work with other members to come to a consensus on the budget in a timely manner. I will be working with my colleagues to make sure the budget that is voted on in the House holds the lowest spending limit possible. Holding the spending line helps ensure your tax dollars are spent wisely and our nation's priorities are fully funded. Reigning in government spending will help make sure we do not leave a burden of debt to the next generation.
As you know, lowering discretionary spending is not the only solution. To fundamentally address budget deficits and the national debt, we must confront runaway entitlement spending and act to promote long-term economic growth. These are both items I hope to address over the coming year. If you have any concerns about items in this year's budget please call my office at 202-225-6165 or send me an email at http://www.house.gov/cole.
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