William M. ``Mac'' Thornberry: “For the first time since the modern Budget Act was passed in 1974, the House will not pass a budget this year, for the…”

“For the first time since the modern Budget Act was passed in 1974, the House will not pass a budget this year, for the first time in 35 years. This dereliction of duty is important for at least two reasons: One, a budget is the first and necessary step to control spending. Every household in the country knows that you have to get a budget together to know your income and expenses, to separate priorities, and to decide how you're going to spend precious resources. The same is true in Washington. And yet this year the American people and Congress and the administration will not have the opportunity to use that tool. The second reason is that it just confirms the worst that people feel about Washington. People around the country already believe that too many Members of Congress care more about their own re-election than they do about solving the problems of the country. This just confirms that Members of the majority, at least, don't want to take tough votes, that they're more worried about their own political protection than they are about trying to do what's right and solve problems. Mr. Speaker, it is irresponsible to not even try to pass a budget this year. The American people deserve better.”