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

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

Related Documents:

Press Releases - Burgess Urges President Bush to Launch Special Counsel Investigation 10.28.2008

Press Releases - Former FDIC Chairman Lays Out What Needs to Happen with Any Financial Rescue 9.29.2008

Burgess in the News - Economy Requires Action, But Caution Should Be the Order of the Day 9.24.2008

Press Releases - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Irresponsible Budget Insulting and Insensitive to Taxpayers 3.13.2008

Press Releases - Rep. Burgess Says Congress and President Can Work Together to Do the People’s Business in ‘08 1.28.2008


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Related Files:

H.R. 377, Insuring Families for Their Future Act

Alan Nathan: State of the Union

Mark Davis Show: State of the Union 2007

Jeff Bolten Show: State of the Union

Jon-David Wells: State of the Union Preview

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