Congress Not Heeding President’s Cuts 

Washington, D.C. – Citizens Against Government Waste (CAGW) today unveiled its Budget Cut Tracker to hold Congress accountable for the spending cuts proposed by President Bush for fiscal 2006.  So far the House and Senate have failed to implement a majority of the 154 cuts and terminations that could save taxpayers $15.3 billion.    

“Congress needs to reconsider its dismissive attitude toward the President’s budget cuts,” CAGW President Tom Schatz said.  “With the federal deficit edging back toward record levels, the President’s cuts could help offset hurricane recovery without adding to the enormous debt burden being left to future generations.” 

For each of the 154 programs, the Budget Cut Tracker gives the enacted level of funding in fiscal 2005, the amount requested by the President in fiscal 2006, the amount appropriated by the House, the amount appropriated by the Senate, and the amount appropriated by conference negotiators.  The House has passed all 12 of its appropriations bills and agreed to only 62, or 40 percent, of the 154 cuts and terminations requested by the President.  CAGW identified only $9.21 billion in savings from the targeted programs in the House bills.  The Senate is further behind on appropriations legislation, but has included more spending than in the House.  In the past, funding for programs cut by the House or the Senate has often been restored in conference. 

“Congress could be doing much more to control spending,” Schatz continued.  “For example, both the President and the House favor eliminating the $136 million Advanced Technology Program.  But the Senate included $140 million for this textbook example of corporate welfare in its version of the fiscal 2006 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act.”

Last year the President proposed eliminating 65 programs and reducing spending in 63 others.  Congress abolished only four and cut spending in 20 programs.  However, many in Congress are demanding budget offsets to pay for hurricane recovery.  The Republican Study Committee’s “Operation Offset” identifies $1.2 trillion in savings over the next 10 years.  Grassroots activists are urging their representatives to redirect federal funding for local projects to the recovery effort.  House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) offered up $70 million in projects earmarked for her home district in the highway bill.  Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-Tenn.) announced yesterday that all Senate Committees have been directed to look for offsets for unanticipated emergency funding, adding that tax dollars should be spent “wisely, promptly, efficiently and effectively.”   

“As part of this renewed spirit of prioritizing, Congress should remember that reasonable budget cuts are already on the table.  Wasteful, duplicative, and ineffective programs are the most obvious targets for budget offsets.  At the very least, Congress should have a direct up or down vote on the President’s cuts,” Schatz concluded. 

The complete Budget Cut Tracker can be viewed at www.cagw.org.

Citizens Against Government Waste is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating waste, fraud, abuse, and mismanagement in government.