On the recordDecember 5, 2024
It is truly an honor to stand before you today as I reflect on my one decade of service representing West Virginia's Second Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. Over these 10 years, I have fought relentlessly to uphold the core conservative values that brought me to this Chamber, including securing our southern border, defending the Second Amendment, pro-life, and reining in the reckless spending of our tax dollars in Washington. Today, I want to focus on that last point, our government's unsustainable spending habits. {time} 1130 Mr. Speaker, spending comes in two primary categories: mandatory and discretionary. Mandatory spending, which includes programs like Medicare and Social Security, occurs automatically, and it accounts for two-thirds of our Federal budget. To change these programs, Congress must act deliberately. On the other hand, discretionary spending must be approved annually by Congress and fund the vital operations of Federal agencies like the Department of Defense. The most fundamental responsibility of this body is to fund our government in a responsible manner and on time to 12 single-subject appropriations bills. Let me emphasize that: responsibly and on time. It is called the power of the purse, which the Constitution of the United States of America specifically gives only to this Chamber, the U.S. House of Representatives.…
