Press Release

Congressman Critical of Stealth Budget Process

Washington, DC -- U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan voted today for legislation to level fund most federal programs while meeting the nation’s most critical needs.  Nevertheless, the Florida Republican objected to the stealth process by which the bill was brought to the floor.  The Revised Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2007 (H.J.Res. 20) was brought to the floor without hearings, with limited debate, and with no opportunity for Members to offer amendments.  The House-passed bill would provide $463 billion to fund programs included in the nine appropriations bills left pending by the previous Congress. 

“This is a fiscally responsible bill,” said Buchanan.  “It holds the line on spending while meeting the needs of our most vulnerable citizens and therefore, I support it.  But the process by which it was brought to the floor is a significant concern. Proposals to spend taxpayer dollars should be carefully examined with an opportunity for public scrutiny.  This bill was passed with little or no input from the people or their elected representatives.”

The continuing resolution would freeze most federal funding – including Member pay -- and reduce funding for 60 programs.  The measure would provide small increases allowed by the Republican budget resolution for veteran’s health care, the treatment of U.S. troops wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan, higher education grants for low income students, head start programs for low income preschoolers, public housing, and scientific research.

The last Congress had passed two of 11 bills to fund the federal government, which has been running on a continuing resolution due to expire on February 15.