At the same time, news reports indicate that President Obama intends to propose a freeze on non-defense discretionary domestic spending for three years, which, if enacted, would yield $15 billion in savings in the first year.  In the current fiscal year, Congress agreed to cut $6.9 billion out of the President’s list of $11.3 billion in savings.

“The President’s proposed freeze for fiscal year 2011 should be adopted, but it is too little, too late,” said CAGW President Tom Schatz.  “The savings are a pittance compared to current rapid budget growth, wasteful spending and bureaucratic bloat.  The President himself has suggested that he will initiate new, expensive giveaway programs in his State of the Union Address on Wednesday, which are likely to end up overwhelming the $15 billion in discretionary savings.  In addition, Democratic leaders are considering an $80 billion jobs bill despite their claim that the stimulus has worked.  We suggest that the President and members of Congress read CAGW’s 2010 Prime Cuts, which has 763 recommendations that would save $350 billion in one year and $2.2 trillion over five years.  The $350 billion represents less than 10 percent of the $3.6 trillion budget – a reduction in spending that would be readily understood and accepted by taxpayers.”

Schatz added, “Congress bears an enormous amount of the blame for the spending free-for-all which has placed this country on a fiscal precipice.  Recent statements by Democratic leaders about pushing job-killing cap and trade legislation, enacting more stimulus spending, and ramming through a grossly irresponsible healthcare bill indicate that they are still completely out of touch with the nation’s economic well-being.”

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

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