Washington, DC  -  Congressman Mike Rogers testified today before the House Budget Committee, encouraging Committee Chairman Jim Nussle (R-Iowa) and his colleagues on the committee to hold the line on Federal spending this year, while fully funding our nation’s military and homeland security commitments.

Rogers said, “The events of the past year have reminded us once again of our need to sacrifice at the Federal level. Right now in Afghanistan and Iraq, tens of thousands of soldiers, including National Guardsmen and Reserves, are fighting for our country and the cause of liberty. These brave Americans understand the meaning of sacrifice, and have said good-bye to their families, their loved ones, and their communities to serve our country for extended periods of time.

“As we speak, thousands of Alabamians all across my home state are looking for work. To these families, tight budgets and unpaid bills are facts of life, not political slogans, and serve as daily reminders of the challenges of unemployment.

“For many of these Alabamians, sacrifice means not being able to pay for groceries, or get gas for the car. It means putting off home repairs. Sacrifice means having to make a choice between the things you want, and the things you can afford.

“That’s the choice we have in Congress, Mr. Chairman. While the demands placed on the Federal Treasury were unique in this past year, we must now look to the future with clear and sober eyes. We must get the Federal budget squarely on track towards a balanced budget, and resist the urge to spend beyond our means.”

Rogers added, “We are still a nation at war. Fiscal discipline in Washington must be practiced, but not on the backs of our fighting men and women defending liberty overseas.”

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