Introduction of H.R. 351, The "Expedited Line-Item Veto and Rescissions Act of 2011"

Floor Speech

* Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Speaker, today I join my friend House Budget Committee Chairman RYAN to introduce the ``Expedited Line-Item Veto and Rescissions Act of 2011.'' Taxpayers deserve a system that is accountable, and this bipartisan legislation will provide another tool to ensure that we are good stewards of their money. The process created by this bill would enable the President to effectively propose the elimination of unnecessary spending from legislation that arrives on his desk for signature, and send those items back to Congress for expedited votes on whether or not to rescind that funding.

* We must do everything we can to make sure tax dollars are spent wisely and responsibly. Budget process reform cannot be a substitute for judgment, and it cannot replace the urgent need to put Americans back to work and to put our nation on a path toward long-term fiscal sustainability. But I hope this bipartisan step toward strengthening our budget process will be the first on the road of greater cooperation to meet our fiscal challenges.

* I want to thank Mr. RYAN and his staff for their important and thoughtful cooperation in developing this proposal. I ask all members on both sides of the aisle to cosponsor this measure and join us in the hard work ahead.

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