U.S. Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. 26th District of Texas

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Budget & Spending

Budget & Spending

I am a strong proponent of a balanced federal budget and an advocate for reducing the size of the federal government. To facilitate the return to balanced budgets, Congress has a number of tools at its disposal, including reducing spending, improving government efficiency, budget process reform, and promoting economic growth through tax relief.

President Bush typically submits his Budget to Congress on the first Monday of February each year. Next, Congress will consider its Joint Budget Resolution, which establishes overall spending limits on discretionary spending, ideally by April 15. Then, we will begin action on each of the annual appropriations bills that fund the federal government.

I believe we need to work to achieve a balanced budget as soon as possible. In the 108th Congress, I was a cosponsor of the Balanced Budget Amendment, which is a constitutional amendment requiring Congress to balance the budget. I also strongly support budget process reform and have cosponsored The Family Budget Protection Act, sponsored by Congressman Jeb Hensarling, that would extend the Pay-As-You-Go (PAYGO) spending caps that were in effect from 1980-1992, eliminate baseline budgeting, and create a sunshine process, which would sunset every unearned entitlement and discretionary program. I will continue to support budget process reform that will help restore fiscal discipline.

Now, more than ever, as our nation fights the war on terrorism, we must act wisely, and spend prudently. Fiscal discipline is the hallmark of a free society because it enables individuals to pursue their dreams without the burdensome intrusion of the federal government.

For related websites, please visit the following links:

Office of Management and Budget, The Executive Office of the United States of the President President Bush’s FY 2009 Budget

Congressional Budget Office

House Budget Committee