Congressman Dennis Cardoza
18th Congressional District of California

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Cardoza joined with his colleagues of the Blue Dog Coalition today in announcing legislation that will require the federal government to reduce non-security spending by nearly 6 percent. The bill would result in $400 billion in savings to American taxpayers.

Formed 15 years ago, the Blue Dogs are a group of 54 moderate Democrats with a shared goal of reducing the national debt, balancing the federal budget and reining in reckless federal spending.

Today’s announcement on spending caps for discretionary spending is one of the key components of the Blue Dog Blueprint for Fiscal Reform. Unveiled in January, the Blueprint includes 15 specific legislative proposals and reforms aimed at balancing the federal budget in 10 years and stabilizing the national debt. Key to the reform is the recently enacted PAYGO rule, a requirement that no federal spending or tax cuts may increase the deficit.

Under the Blue Dog spending caps announced today, non-security discretionary spending would be reduced by 2 percent for the next three years. After that, spending levels would be frozen for the next two years. The cap would force Congress to prioritize its limited resources and make tough decisions to restore balance to the federal budget.

Such discretionary spending caps were enacted during the 1990s under bipartisan agreements. They are a proven tool for controlling spending and reducing the deficit. Since the spending caps were allowed to expire in 2002, discretionary spending has increased by more than $538 billion.

“Although we are facing extremely difficult financial times, I continue to believe that we must take steps today to ensure the long-term financial health of the federal government,” said Congressman Cardoza. “We have a responsibility to address our nation’s mounting debt rather than saddling our children and grandchildren with it. Since the recession began, Congress has had to act aggressively to prevent a complete economic meltdown. However, we must continue to work equally aggressively to get the federal government on a track to fiscal responsibility.”