Blue Dogs continue fight to eliminate wasteful government spending
March 11, 2011
Coalition announces support for “Reduce Unnecessary Spending Act of 2011”
Today, members of the fiscally conservative Democratic Blue Dog Coalition announced their support for the "Reduce Unnecessary Spending Act of 2011," a measure introduced by House Budget Committee Ranking Member Chris Van Hollen that would require Congress and the President to work cooperatively to eliminate spending programs that are duplicative, inefficient and outdated. The Blue Dogs introduced similar legislation in the 110th Congress as part of their blueprint for fiscal reform, and have been long time advocates of the proven-effective budget enforcement tool known as "expedited rescission."
"If we are going to put our country back on a fiscally sustainable path, we have to start taking a business approach to our nation's finances," said Congressman Mike Ross (D-AR), Blue Dog Co-Chair for Communications. "This bill would force the federal government to make the same tough choices that American families have to make every day. I urge all of my colleagues in the House to join us in this effort."
S. 102, a companion measure introduced by Senators John McCain and Tom Carper, has garnered strong bipartisan support from 33 senators across the political spectrum.
"Expedited recession has always been a key priority of the Blue Dogs, but it's just one of many tools we need to restore fiscal discipline to our budget," said Congressman John Barrow (D-GA), Blue Dog Co-Chair for Policy. "Over the coming months you'll see many more ideas from the Blue Dogs that will promote smart, common sense ways to reduce wasteful spending, increase fiscal responsibility, and strengthen our economy."
"This legislation is a step in the right direction to eliminate wasteful spending and ensure taxpayer dollars are spent wisely," said Congressman Heath Shuler (D-NC), Blue Dog Co-Chair for Administration. "While we will need to make difficult decisions down the road to balance the budget, this is a common sense proposal that leaders on both sides of the aisle should be able to come together on now. The Senate has already shown broad bipartisan support for these provisions, and I urge both Democrats and Republicans in the House to take up this legislation immediately."
"If we are going to put our country back on a fiscally sustainable path, we have to start taking a business approach to our nation's finances," said Congressman Mike Ross (D-AR), Blue Dog Co-Chair for Communications. "This bill would force the federal government to make the same tough choices that American families have to make every day. I urge all of my colleagues in the House to join us in this effort."
S. 102, a companion measure introduced by Senators John McCain and Tom Carper, has garnered strong bipartisan support from 33 senators across the political spectrum.
"Expedited recession has always been a key priority of the Blue Dogs, but it's just one of many tools we need to restore fiscal discipline to our budget," said Congressman John Barrow (D-GA), Blue Dog Co-Chair for Policy. "Over the coming months you'll see many more ideas from the Blue Dogs that will promote smart, common sense ways to reduce wasteful spending, increase fiscal responsibility, and strengthen our economy."
"This legislation is a step in the right direction to eliminate wasteful spending and ensure taxpayer dollars are spent wisely," said Congressman Heath Shuler (D-NC), Blue Dog Co-Chair for Administration. "While we will need to make difficult decisions down the road to balance the budget, this is a common sense proposal that leaders on both sides of the aisle should be able to come together on now. The Senate has already shown broad bipartisan support for these provisions, and I urge both Democrats and Republicans in the House to take up this legislation immediately."
The fiscally conservative Democratic Blue Dog Coalition was formed in 1995 with the goal of representing the center of the House of Representatives and appealing to the mainstream values of the American public. The Blue Dogs are dedicated to a core set of beliefs that transcend partisan politics, including a deep commitment to the financial stability and national security of the United States. Currently there are 25 members of the Blue Dog Coalition.
###