WASHINGTON   –  U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson (MO-08) and other members of the House Appropriations Committee presented an insurmountable hurdle to Democrats seeking over $30 billion in additional “emergency spending” increases.  The funds were slated to be affixed to a package also including $34 billion for U.S. troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan until the legislation buckled beneath a growing demand that unrelated spending in the bill not result in new debt.

“Americans in uniform should never be used as political cover for pet projects and irresponsible spending.  This bill was slated to add $30 for spending that has nothing to do with emergencies in our country.  Those dollars go directly to this year’s record deficit – already measuring over $1.4 trillion,” Emerson said.  “The reckless spending has to stop somewhere, and today the committee reached a breaking point.  We were set to insist that this $30 billion, if it is going to be spent at all, be paid for with other spending cuts from elsewhere in the federal government.”

Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee David Obey, cancelled the 5:00 p.m. hearing as members of both parties prepared amendments to pay for the new spending.

“Responsible government is not a partisan issue any more.  I think nearly everyone recognizes that the big spending big government must be reined in.  Today, the leadership at the Appropriations Committee got a major wake-up call,” Emerson said.

The bill will require changes before returning to the Appropriations Committee for debate and a preliminary vote on passage.

“I would hope the legislation returns to the committee for consideration, rather than going straight to the full House without a chance to debate what is in this package.  The bill should be stripped of the extra spending that is unrelated to emergencies facing our countries.  Instead, it should focus on the needs of our troops and fiscal accountability to taxpayers,” Emerson said.