January 5, 2007

Ellsworth Supports Restoring Fiscal Accountability

House Passes Pay-as-You-Go Provision

WASHINGTON -- During his first speech from the House floor, Rep. Brad Ellsworth (D-Evansville) today voiced strong support for pay-as-you-go (PAYGO) provisions to restore fiscal accountability in Washington. The House passed the amendment as part of its rules today, 280-152. 

"Hoosier families in my district make the tough choices to balance their family's budget," said Ellsworth from the House floor. "Congress should be held to the same standard when it comes to our nation's budget."

The amendment prevents the House from considering legislation with spending and revenue provisions that would effectively increase the federal deficit. It provides exceptions for emergencies and specific programs such as Social Security.

Ellsworth joined Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD) and other members of the conservative Blue Dog Coalition in supporting the changes during a Capitol Hill press conference. The group also endorsed a provision to require full transparency of earmarks.

"Members ought to be willing to put their names beside the earmarks they request," said Ellsworth. "The public needs to see where their money is going and trust that it is being spent wisely."

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