On the recordMarch 17, 2010
I'm pleased to have the opportunity to discuss the bill I introduced with Mr. Peters, the Sensible Steps Toward a Balanced Budget Act, legislation that requires that money left over in a Member's Representational Allowance, or MRA, at the end of the fiscal year be deposited in the Treasury and used to reduce the budget deficit or national debt. As a lifelong resident of greater Arizona, I grew up around hardworking families who knew that, when times get tough, you tighten up your belt and make every dollar count. I brought this sort of thinking with me when I came to Washington last year to represent those same hardworking families. By emphasizing efficiency in my office and focusing on the most critical items, I managed to spend over $100,000 less than what was authorized of my MRA. I was proud to save the taxpayers money and looked forward to seeing that money used to lower the national debt in this year and for years to come. Every year, the Legislative Branch Appropriations Subcommittee includes language in its appropriations bill to require that unspent allowances are used toward the national debt. Given these times, it is important that we make this requirement permanent.
