Dave Camp: “I think this is a positive amendment and I would urge my colleagues to vote for it. This would allow Members to return…”

“I think this is a positive amendment and I would urge my colleagues to vote for it. This would allow Members to return unspent office funds to the Treasury. It would allow them to use those funds returned for specifically deficit reduction and I urge the passage of this amendment. Mr. Chairman, the 104th Congress has led a historic effort to reduce the deficit and incorporate fiscal responsibility into Federal spending. Today, we again have the opportunity to lead by example. This amendment would allow Members to return unspent office funds to the U.S. Treasury for the specific purpose of deficit reduction. It would reaffirm our commitment to eliminating the Federal debt. It is important that fiscal responsibility start at home. Since being elected to Congress in 1991, I have not spent over $565,000 of my office funds. Like most Americans, I have spent wisely and made do with what I had. Naysayers claim that money can't be returned to the U.S. Treasury. Many Members, however, save taxpayer money by spending less. These Members should be recognized for their efforts and taxpayers should be rewarded by allowing them to use unspent funds to reduce the deficit.”