On the recordJune 2, 2015
First of all, I want to begin by thanking the committee and Chairman Culberson for their tremendous work that they have put into this bill, identifying ways to reduce spending and to be a good steward of the taxpayers' money. This funding bill is $51.4 billion, and I would like to point out that that is $661 million below the President's request. Good work on behalf of our team. Now, I am one of those that thinks more needs to be done, especially when we look at the discretionary spending. There is more we should do. My amendment calls for a 1 percent across-the-board spending reduction. That would reduce the budget authority by $540 million and outlays by $340 million in Fiscal Year 2016. I am fully aware of the opposition that exists to across-the-board cuts by many of the appropriators, and I have many times stood on this floor and heard how they think this is just a little bit of a cut too much. However, we are nearly $18.3 trillion in debt. Indeed, Admiral Mullen, on July 6, 2010, said the greatest threat to our Nation's security is our Nation's debt. Getting our spending under control is an important step for us to take. That is why we need to move forward and do what many of our States have done and institute across-the-board cuts to save one penny out of a dollar. Engage the rank-and-file Federal employees. Have them bring to the table their best ideas.…
