Issue Position: Budget and Spending

Issue Position

We need a balanced approach to government spending and a budget that reflects our values. This includes making common sense spending reductions that eliminate waste and fraud while protecting key investments that create jobs, foster economic growth and promote entrepreneurship.

Just like a family balancing a budget at home, Congress needs to responsibly manage government spending. This includes re-evaluating the money we spend on tax breaks for large corporations and subsidies for oil and gas companies. I support a deficit reduction plan that eliminates duplication and waste, particularly irresponsible government procurement, while protecting the critical safety net programs that millions of American families rely on. Congress should not balance our government's budget on the backs of the most vulnerable.

This is why in February of 2013 I took a voluntary 8.4% pay reduction, the same percentage most discretionary programs were cut as a result of the sequester. In total, I gave back more
than $10,000. I also returned $113,918.54 in congressional office funds to the United States Treasury in 2013.

In my first term, I hosted a community-wide interactive event where my constituents had an opportunity to propose policies to reduce projected deficits over the coming years. I've also met with mayors throughout the District to discuss spending and budget priorities.

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