HOUSE APPROVES COMMITTEE FUNDING RESOLUTION
Washington, DC (March 31, 2009): House Administration Committee Chairman Robert A. Brady today announced the passage of H. Res 279, which provides funding for 21 House Committees for the 111th Congress. The total funding of $304.5m dollars over a two year period will allow the various committees to execute their oversight roles and responsibilities, while reflecting a greater emphasis on fiscal stewardship in a manner that is consistent with the current economic crisis.
“This was an especially difficult funding process and I’m pleased that the Committee on House Administration was able to work in a bipartisan manner to ensure that the committees have the resources they need to conduct their business,” said Brady. “We are always sensitive to the need to be good stewards of taxpayer dollars, but our current economic crisis and the sacrifices being made by the American people call for even greater efforts. The approved funding levels will require committees to tighten their belts and find new ways to maximize their resources.”
The funding levels approved for 2009 represent a modest increase of less than 5% over committee funding levels for 2008. The increase for 2010 is slated for less than 4%, reflecting a commitment to continued fiscal responsibility and spending restraint.
The approved funding resolution includes a provision that requires committee Chairs and Ranking Members to return to House Administration prior to February of 2010, to report on their committee's use of the funds during the first session of the One Hundred Eleventh Congress. House Administration will also expand its efforts to provide required monthly committee reports online, further expanding the emphasis on transparency and accountability that has become a central focus under the current Democratic majority.
# # #
Kyle Anderson
Press Director
Committee on House Administration
1309 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515-6157
(202) 225-2061
Kyle.Anderson@mail.house.gov