House Adopts More Open Rules, Cuts Own Budget by 5%
The 112th Congress began with Members of the House of Representatives being sworn-in on January 5, 2011. The House began work by adopting two reforms to the way that Congress operates: First, the House voted 238-191 to adopt new rules intended to make the House’s procedures more open and accountable; second, the House voted 408-13 to adopt legislation cutting its own budgets by 5%.
Congressman Todd Platts voted for both measures. The first measure (H. Res. 5) contains a number of reforms to House rules which are intended to address some of the abuses of the legislative process in recent years. Among the reforms: The text of legislation not previously considered in committee must be posted on the Internet at least 72 hours prior to any vote on the bill; six-year term limits are re-imposed on committee chairmen; committees must post the text of legislation they have considered within 24 hours; and, a new “cut-as-you-go” rule requires any increases in mandatory spending to be offset by reductions in spending elsewhere.
The second measure (H. Res. 22) cuts the budgets of all House leadership, committee, and member office accounts by 5%. These cuts will save a total of $35 million in fiscal year 2011. “Given the importance of leading by example,” Congressman Platts stated, “Congress’ own budget is an especially appropriate place for spending cuts to begin.”
Web Page Highlights (www.house.gov/platts)
Congressman Platts Named Chairman of the Subcommittee Responsible for Overseeing Financial Management of the Federal Government
Congressman Platts has been named the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Government Organization, Efficiency and Financial Management for the 112th Congress. As part of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, this Subcommittee has jurisdiction over matters relating to the financial management and overall efficiency of federal agencies.
(http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/pa19_platts/112thBegins.shtml)
House Floor Statement on Repealing and Replacing the New Health Care Law
On January 19, 2011, the full United States House of Representatives voted 249-189 to pass a bill (H.R. 2) which would repeal the new health care law. The following day, the House voted 253-175 to pass legislation (H. Res. 9) instructing House committees to report replacement legislation. Congressman Todd Platts voted both to repeal the new health care law and to replace it with better reforms. His statement on the House floor is posted on the web site.
(http://www.house.gov/apps/list/speech/pa19_platts/hcrepeal.shtml)
Other Key Votes
The following is a list of some additional key votes taken by the United States House of Representatives during the month of January of 2011:
Reducing Spending (H. Res. 38)
The House voted 256-165 to adopt a resolution (H. Res. 38) instructing the Budget Committee Chairman to submit a fiscal year 2011 budget which will lower non-security discretionary spending to fiscal year 2008 levels. Passage of H. Res. 38 is meant to uphold a portion of the “Pledge to America” advocating a return to pre-stimulus, pre-bail out spending levels. Congressman Platts voted in favor of H. Res. 38.
“You Cut”/End Duplicative Government Printing (H.R. 292)
The House voted 399-0 to pass a bill (H.R. 292) eliminating a requirement that hundreds of copies be printed whenever a bill is introduced in Congress. Passage of H.R. 292 is part of the “You Cut” program launched by House Republicans to allow the public to vote on specific spending cuts. Eliminating the requirement – and instead posting copies of bills on the Internet - will save taxpayers approximately $7 million a year. Congressman Platts voted in favor of H.R. 292.
“You Cut”/End the Presidential Election Fund (H.R. 359)
The House voted 239-160 to pass a bill (H.R. 359) eliminating a program that provides federal funds to Presidential campaigns and national party conventions. Passage of H.R. 359 is part of the “You Cut” program launched by House Republicans to allow the public to vote on specific spending cuts. Eliminating the Presidential Election Fund will save taxpayers approximately $200 million over ten years. Congressman Platts voted in favor of H.R. 359.
To vote on future “You Cut” proposals, please visit www.majorityleader.gov/youcut.
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