Washington, DC – U.S. Congressman Charles W. Boustany, Jr., MD (R-Southwest Louisiana), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Oversight of the Committee on Ways and Means, today voted for significant spending cuts in the Budget Control Act of 2011.  The measure preserves the full faith and credit of the United States, drastically reduces wasteful spending, and is the first step in long-term debt reduction. Additionally, it requires passage of a balanced budget amendment in both the House and the Senate.

“This legislation conforms to the Cut, Cap and Balance principles and begins the process of putting our fiscal house in order,”Boustany said.  “Democrats have not put forth a plan and instead continue to play political games. This bill has significant and immediate cuts, creates a long-term plan to reduce the national debt and requires passage of the balanced budget amendment.  This is a solid first step toward resolving the debt crisis threatening our national security and economic recovery.”

The bill changes the trajectory of Washington spending and prevents the first government default in American history. According to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), the Republican plan will:

• Cut and cap spending by $917 billion over 10 years, exceeding the $900 billion increase in the debt limit;
• Cut $22 billion in spending for FY2012 and hold spending below FY2010 levels until FY2016;
• Require Congress to propose additional reductions of at least $1.8 trillion while protecting programs including Medicare and Social Security from bankruptcy;
• Guarantee passage of the balanced budget amendment for additional debt limit increases.

VIDEO OF REP. BOUSTANY’S FLOOR SPEECH

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