Joseph Knollenberg: “later this week, the House will unveil a discharge petition on the A to Z spending cuts plan. The leadership will try to…”

“later this week, the House will unveil a discharge petition on the A to Z spending cuts plan. The leadership will try to tell you that this proposal is little more than a three ring circus. But it is the plan's simplicity and openness that they fear most. Here is how simple it is: Any Member, regardless of party or committee assignment, could propose a spending cut. The House would debate the cut, and then vote on it. It is that straightforward and that easy. Most importantly, the A to Z legislation limits itself to only those spending cuts--proposals to raise taxes are explicitly forbidden. My colleagues should think very carefully before being swayed by the majority's threats of chaos on the floor of the House. The A to Z plan has the potential to end the partisan bickering over comprehensive spending packages. With this proposal, we can help restore the American public's faith in Congress as an institution where individual integrity and fiscal accountability still reside.”