Walberg Weekly Wrap-Up: "Fixing the Broken Budget System"

Press Release

Just before Christmas, Congress passed and President Bush signed into law a massive, 3,417 page pork-filled spending bill that I opposed.

This "omnibus" bill came to fruition through inside-the-beltway political gamesmanship I wanted no part of. Though the final bill contained funding for many good programs, ultimately the sum package of all the parts became way too expensive and out of control, and I voted against it.

Like many of you, I am tired of all-in-one budgets that pass Congress months after budget deadlines. These bills frequently contain pork projects dropped in at the last minute and can be increased by millions of dollars in the blink of an eye with little or no oversight.

In the real world outside of the Washington, D.C. bubble, this kind of reckless planning and spending doesn't work. Americans have to live within their means, pay their bills, spend their money on items of necessity and avoid going into debt because of wasteful spending.

Our current system is simply not working, and I am supporting legislation that I believe will address the federal government's budgetary woes: The Family Budget Protection Act (H.R. 2084).

This bill allows for biennial budgeting, which would essentially move our government from a one-year budget cycle to a two-year cycle. There are numerous advantages to such a move.

Right now, Congress passes a budget and 12 appropriation bills each year. This is a massive task that includes numerous oversight responsibilities, and often poor decisions are made simply because Congress does not have enough time to review each spending program and government agency.

The Family Budget Protection Act would set up a commission to submit recommendations on how to eliminate waste, fraud and abuse in federal spending. The commission's recommendation is either approved or rejected by Congress as a package, eliminating votes on changes to individual programs.

Another important aspect of the bill is ending "emergency" spending. Non-military emergencies would be budgeted for with a new "rainy day" fund, and all spending from that fund must be defined as sudden, urgent, unforeseen and temporary. This would cover things like hurricane relief and the tragic bridge collapse in Minneapolis last year.

Funds needed for military operations authorized by either a declaration of war or use of military force are budgeted as emergencies. However, they are not included in the rainy day fund because it is important to distinguish what true emergency funding is.

This bill also requires the reporting of earmarks to be included in the text of bills in order to receive funding.

I am committed to protecting taxpayers by reforming our budget process so we can have balanced budgets and a lower deficit. I believe this bill meets taxpayer objectives.

In-District Work Period
The House of Representatives adjourned for a President's Day in-district work period on February 14, and I have enjoyed spending time with many of you during the past week and a half.

I appreciated those of you who joined me at one of several coffee hours I hosted, came to our town hall meeting in Jackson on the economy or attended the How to Pay for College workshop I hosted in Eaton County. Also, I appreciated meeting and listening to the constituents I met at different community events I attended and business tours I held throughout south-central Michigan.

I have often said one of the best ways I can serve my constituents is to be available, listen and carry our values to Washington. I am working to serve you. Always feel free to email me at walberg.house.gov or call 1-877-TIM-MI07.

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