We Must Reform the Way Congress Spends Taxpayer Dollars

Congress’ ability to control spending is broken, as evidenced by the $1.4 trillion deficit in 2009 and projections for more of the same this year. Not only are we spending taxpayers’ dollars irresponsibly, but we are spending money we don’t have. The American people have lost confidence in Congress’ ability to spend their dollars responsibly.

Today’s vote by House Republicans to halt earmarks for this year is a step in the right direction when it comes to reforming the way Congress spends the taxpayers’ money. Certainly not all earmarks are “bridges to nowhere,” and many Members put forth quality requests vetted in a transparent process, but the waste and abuse of other earmarks have become symbols of why reform is needed and why trust in the system has broken down.

The American people are tightening their belts and Congress must do the same, but our moratorium is not going to save the taxpayers any money unless Congress also reduces the overall budget and total spending.

As Congress works on a budget outline for the year, we must take concrete actions to reduce the out of control spending and borrowing. The budget proposal President Obama sent us, which includes a record $3.8 trillion in spending and doubles the national debt over five years, is simply a non-starter.

The Constitution empowers Congress with the authority to decide how taxpayers’ dollars are spent, and I continue to believe this is an important role of Congress. However, if Congress is going to regain the confidence of the American people, we must reform not only the process for requesting earmarks, but the entire budget process. The future of our children and grandchildren depends on our ability to control spending and the growth of the national debt now.