(Washington, DC) – Today, an amendment to H.R. 1, the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2011, co-sponsored by U.S. Congressman Chip Cravaack (MN-8) was accepted by the full House of Representatives. The amendment would cut all federal funding for the United States Institute of Peace (USIP), saving taxpayers $42 million. Mr. Cravaack introduced an identical amendment earlier in the week, but decided to join forces with other like-minded members in the effort. The amendment received wide bi-partisan support.

“I am very pleased my amendment to end federal funding for the U.S. Institute of Peace was voted on and accepted by my colleagues in the House,” said Cravaack. “If signed into law, this amendment will save the taxpayers $42 million this year. Washington has been spending beyond its means for years. We must look for places to make cuts so we are not piling mountains of debt on future generations.”

“As I mentioned on the Floor of the House last evening, USIP’s goal of a more peaceful world is just and honorable,” Cravaack added. “However, their mission is entirely redundant and can be accomplished by multiple other departments, agencies and non-profits. That being said, my amendment would not shut USIP’s doors. Under the legislation I introduced they could bid for federal and private grants – just like similar organizations – and thereby continue to carry on their mission.”

The amendment, co-sponsored by Reps. Anthony Weiner (D-NY), Jason Chaffetz (R-UT) and Cravaack, is supported by Citizens Against Government Waste, a non-partisan group whose mission is to eliminate waste, mismanagement, and inefficiency in the federal government.

Congressman Cravaack serves on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee – where he is Vice Chair of the Aviation Subcommittee –the Homeland Security Committee, and the Science Committee. The 8th Congressional District covers 18 counties in Northeast Minnesota.