Department Of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2010

Floor Speech

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Mr. CUELLAR. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Madam Chairman, I rise in strong support of this bill and Chairman Price's manager's amendment, which includes an amendment that I coauthored with my friend, Mr. Martin Heinrich, to reduce government waste, abuse, and inefficiency.

This simple amendment, commonsense amendment, ensures that no taxpayer dollars will be used to purchase first-class tickets for the employees of agencies funded by this bill, except in special circumstances, as allowed by law.

Madam Chairman, it goes without saying that the Federal Government should never use taxpayer dollars for extravagant luxuries and excessive spending. To say that these are difficult economic times is an understatement. There has never been a more important moment for the Federal Government to demonstrate that it is a careful steward of taxpayers' dollars and that it would not engage in frivolous and wasteful excesses.

Just as every American household has gathered around the kitchen table, finding ways to cut costs and reduce waste, the Federal Government has the responsibility to do the same. Fiscal responsibility should be a primary objective of every Member. And as a member of the fiscally responsible Blue Dog Coalition, I will continue to work with my colleagues to address the increasing national debt that we have.

However, it is important that we tackle every cost-saving opportunity, large or small, to meet that goal. I am pleased that Chairman Price included this amendment in his manager's amendment. I would also like to thank my colleague from New Mexico, Mr. Heinrich, for working with me on this issue, and for his dedication on cost-saving issues.

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