Press Release |
Media Contact: Sally Tibbetts 941.951.6643 |
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Buchanan Opposes Bloated Spending Bill
Calls for Fiscal Discipline
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| February 25, 2009 |
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| Washington, DC -- Congressman Vern Buchanan (FL-13) voted today against a bloated $410 billion federal spending bill that represents one of the largest single increases in spending in more than 30 years. The House voted 245 to 178 for the Fiscal Year 2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act (H.R. 1105), which adds billions of taxpayer dollars to federal programs and agencies. “This bill comes on the heels of a trillion dollar stimulus bill and multi-billion dollar bail outs,” said Buchanan. “Hard working American families are tired of Washington wasting their money on runaway government spending. Not to mention the additional burden this budget would place on our children and grand children who will inherit our enormous debt.” The bill increases federal funding by $32 billion -- or 8.4 percent – over last year’s budget for the same agencies funded by the omnibus. From 2001 through 2008, federal spending increased 6.9 percent per year, on average. Had spending increases been limited to 4.4 percent annually--the 2008 budget would have been in balance. “How can we discuss the need for fiscal responsibility while passing a massive spending bill that goes way beyond what we can afford?” asked Buchanan. “We can’t continue to spend taxpayer dollars with no regard for how much it costs, is it necessary, and will it produce results. We need to stop out-of-control government spending now to reduce the deficit and pay down the debt.” The omnibus bill includes federal funding for 9 out of 12 regular appropriations bills that were supposed to be passed by Congress before the end of the fiscal year 2008. |
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