November 18, 2005—Today, the House passed the Deficit Reduction Act.  Congressman Trent Franks (AZ-02) issued the following statement regarding this important legislative action:

 “With the passage of the Deficit Reduction Act, my Republican colleagues and I are telling America that we are committed to fiscal discipline and implementing sound government solutions for America’s future,” said Franks. 

“The Deficit Reduction Act reforms key government programs.  These are common sense reforms set to reduce the deficit by more than $50 billion.  The billions of dollars we are saving with this plan are a down payment on America’s future."
 
“I was more than disappointed that not one Democrat chose to vote in favor of such a significant cost-saving measure.”
 
"Overall, the Deficit Reduction Act carries three fundamental principles: reforming government, reducing the deficit, and renewing our commitment to hardworking American taxpayers.”

The Deficit Reduction Act contains provisions that trim the deficit and reform government programs including:
*     Saving and strengthening Medicaid by adopting provisions offered by the bi-partisan National Governors Association;
*     Lowering prescription drug costs;
*     Reducing waste, fraud, and abuse;
*     Strengthening and simplifying student loan programs;
*     Rebuilding community first responder capabilities by freeing up vital spectrum airwaves;
*     Protecting workers’ pensions by placing the Pension Benefit Guarantee Corporation (PBGC) on a more solid financial foundation and protecting taxpayers from the cost of a massive bailout;
*     Increasing heating assistance for low-income Americans by assuming a $1 billion (50% increase) in additional funding for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP); and
*     Expanding Welfare Reform by reauthorizing the successful welfare reform policies in TANF and providing an additional $1 billion in funding.

Trent Franks is the Congressman from the 2nd Congressional District of Arizona.  He is a member of the House Armed Services Committee, the House Judiciary Committee and Vice Chairman of the Constitution Subcommittee.