House Debates Spending Cuts for Fiscal Year 2011
During the months of February and March, the full United States House of Representatives debated three different “continuing resolutions” to fund the federal government. Because the previous session of Congress failed to enact appropriations legislation for fiscal year 2011, continuing resolutions are necessary to keep the government functioning until the next fiscal year begins in October. Much of the debate surrounding the continuing resolutions was related to the need to find savings in the federal government.
The first continuing resolution (H.R. 1) would fund the federal government for the entire remainder of fiscal year 2011. Significantly, H.R. 1 would also reduce overall discretionary appropriations for federal agencies by $100 billion from the levels proposed under the President’s budget.
Congressman Todd Platts voted in favor of the bill and therefore in favor of the $100 billion in savings. “This vote is a crucial first step in addressing the fiscal and economic threat facing our Nation and future generations of Americans. We are borrowing more than 40 cents of every dollar we spend,” said Congressman Platts. “The Nation will spend $1.5 trillion more than we take in this year, and our total national debt now exceeds $14 trillion. We cannot continue to burden the country with unsustainable levels of debt.”
Congressman Platts also voted in favor of a number of amendments to H.R. 1. Some of these amendments were adopted by the full House, including amendments to eliminate funding for the new health care law (H. Amdts. 102, 104, and 105) and an amendment to eliminate $450 million in funding for a duplicative engine for the F-35 fighter jet (H. Amdt. 16).
Ultimately, the House passed H.R. 1 – as amended on the House floor - by a vote of 235 to 189. Because the Senate has yet to pass H.R. 1, or any other long-term continuing resolution, Congress in the meantime has adopted two short-term continuing resolutions (H.J. Res. 44, H.J. Res. 48). Together, H.J. Res. 44 and H.J. Res. 48 will keep the government funded for an additional five weeks while reducing spending by a combined total of $10 billion – a rate of savings that would amount to more than $100 billion if extended throughout the entire fiscal year.
After a continuing resolution for the remainder of fiscal year 2011 is enacted, Congress will begin consideration of a budget for fiscal year 2012. “In the weeks and months ahead, Congress must further engage the American people about the difficult challenges facing our country,” Congressman Platts concluded. “We must chart a course for the future that restores fiscal responsibility in Washington and confidence in our economy.”
Web Page Highlights (www.house.gov/platts)
Statement on Libya
A statement by Rep. Platts regarding military action in Libya is posted on the web site.
(http://www.house.gov/apps/list/speech/pa19_platts/Libya.shtml)
Government Reform Subcommittee Chaired by Rep. Platts Holds Oversight Hearings on Financial Management
The Subcommittee on Government Organization, Efficiency, and Financial Management, chaired by Rep. Platts, held a series of hearings recently on financial management practices within the federal government. Rep. Platts’ opening statement from the first hearing and information about a second hearing are posted to the web site.
(http://www.house.gov/apps/list/speech/pa19_platts/OGRsub1.shtml)
(http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/pa19_platts/financialreport.shtml)
Other Key Votes
The following is a list of some additional key votes taken by the United States House of Representatives in recent weeks:
Repeal of Small Business Paperwork Mandate (H.R. 4)
The House voted 314-112 to pass a bill (H.R. 4) that would repeal a burdensome new requirement imposed on businesses by the new health care law. Specifically, H.R. 4 repeals the requirement that businesses submit a “Form 1099” with the IRS every time they spend more than $600 a year buying goods or services from a vendor. Critics of the “1099” mandate argue that it will destroy jobs and flood the IRS with too much paperwork. Congressman Platts voted in favor of H.R. 4 and therefore in favor or repealing the “1099” mandate. The House and Senate must now agree to a compromise version of this legislation.
Regulatory Oversight by the House (H. Res. 72)
The House voted 391-28 to adopt a rule (H. Res. 72) requiring all House committees to inventory and review regulations issued or proposed by federal agencies. Supporters of H. Res. 72 cited a Small Business Administration study finding the cost of federal regulations to exceed $1 trillion a year. Under H. Res. 72, committees would have to identify in particular those regulations that impede private sector job creation, discourage innovation, or hurt economic growth and the nation’s competitiveness. Congressman Platts voted in favor of H. Res. 72.
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