WASHINGTON   –  U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson (MO-08) encouraged citizens in Southern Missouri to participate in a new project of the Republican Conference in the U.S. House of Representatives called “America Speaking Out.”  The effort directs Americans to www.americaspeakingout.com and asks them to contribute their ideas to be part of a new governing agenda for the country.
“So many good ideas exist that can improve our country and get America moving in the right direction,” Emerson said.  “From cutting spending on wasteful programs to creating economic opportunities to protecting our freedoms, this is a great new forum for a much-needed public discussion about our future.”

Emerson says the best ideas she encounters as U.S. Representative from Missouri’s Eighth Congressional District come from the people who live and work in her community.

“People know they can always reach me to share their good ideas and feedback on what goes on in Congress.  This site is another way in which we can shape the national debate over what ought to be our nation’s priorities.  Clearly, the attitude that we can keep spending and growing government with no regard for the fiscal constraints every family must observe when they set their own budgets is unsustainable and irresponsible,” Emerson said.

Congressional Democrats are not expected to offer a budget for the upcoming fiscal year, the first time since 1974 a federal budget has not been proposed in the U.S. House of Representatives.