WASHINGTON - Congressman Dale E. Kildee (D-MI) announced today that he is turning back $20,315 to the U.S. Treasury in unspent 2005 taxpayer-financed congressional funds.

Kildee’s 2005 savings brought to more than $1,368,464 the total funds that he has returned to the U.S. Treasury since his coming to the U.S. Congress – a fact that has earned him a reputation for being one of the most frugal members of Congress. 

“It has always been a priority to me that taxpayers’ money be spent carefully and prudently,” said Kildee.  “In light of the increased national debt due enormous budget deficits and irresponsible budget priorities in Congress, it is regrettable that our government is not more fiscally responsible.  I hope that my actions will encourage the Administration, Congress and other government agencies to do everything possible to reduce wasteful taxpayer spending while ensuring that important public programs receive sufficient funding.”

The savings that Kildee has returned to the Treasury is money that was allocated to him in 2005 for his operating budget to run congressional offices in Washington and Michigan.  Kildee’s 2005 savings includes money from portions of his budget earmarked for office expenses, including travel and office equipment.