(Washington, D.C.)  The Council for Citizens Against Government Waste (CCAGW) applauded Rep. Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) and Rep. Jeb Hensarling (R-Texas) for announcing their amendment to offset the $20.3 billion designated for rebuilding Iraq included in President Bush’s $87 billion Iraq supplemental request.  The cuts will come from other areas of foreign aid, beginning in fiscal 2004.  Further details will be announced at a press conference held by Reps. Toomey and Hensarling at 11:30 a.m. today on the Cannon Terrace.

“The plan to offset spending is example of strong leadership and fiscal responsibility at a time when excessive spending is fashionable on Capitol Hill, despite a $480 billion deficit,” CCAGW President Tom Schatz said.  “In past wartime situations, Congress has cut discretionary spending to off-set costs.  During the war with Iraq, the current Congress has failed to do so, and in fact increased non-defense discretionary spending by 12.7 percent in fiscal 2003.”

During World War II, non-defense spending was cut by 22 percent between 1939 and 1942.   This was followed by a 37 percent reduction over the next two years.  Projects completely eliminated during that time included: the Civilian Conservation Corps, the Works Project Administration, and the National Youth Administration.  During the Korean War, non-defense spending dropped by 25 percent from 1950 to 1951.

“Rebuilding the infrastructure in Iraq is crucial to the country’s stabilization and eventual independence,” Schatz continued.  “However, we must be careful not to make it a quagmire of wasteful spending.  By requiring offsets to the costs in Iraq, it will force Congress to cut waste, fraud, and abuse in foreign aid.”

The $20.3 billion includes $900 million for importing petroleum products, $100 million for seven planned communities with schools and markets, $20 million for a four-week business course, $10 million for prison experts, and $2 million for garbage trucks.

“While it is important to keep in mind that Iraq is starting from scratch, it is also important to remember that American tax dollars are being used,” Schatz concluded.  “Iraq should begin supporting its economy as soon as possible.  In the meantime, taxpayers should be grateful that Reps. Toomey and Hensarling are looking out for their best interests.  It is imperative that this amendment be adopted.”

The Council for Citizens Against Government Waste is the lobbying arm of Citizens Against Government Waste, the nation's largest nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating waste, fraud, abuse, and mismanagement in government.