Barrow Recognized by Blue Dog Coalition for Enhancing National Security through Responsible Fiscal Policies

Press Release

Barrow Recognized by Blue Dog Coalition for Enhancing National Security through Responsible Fiscal Policies

The fiscally conservative Democratic Blue Dog Coalition today honored Representative John Barrow of Georgia by naming him "Blue Dog of the Week." Rep. Barrow was recognized for his longstanding support of legislation aimed at restoring fiscal responsibility and accountability to the federal government. Recently in the 110th Congress, the House adopted a measure by Rep. Barrow which ensures that the appropriate members of Congress are notified when foreign companies purchase American businesses involved in national security and military defense.

"The Blue Dog Coalition commends Rep. John Barrow for his leadership, hard work, and determination to restore fiscal discipline to the federal government," said Rep. Mike Ross (D-AR), Blue Dog Co-Chair for Communications. "Rep. Barrow recognizes that fiscal oversight and accountability are critical to our national defense, and he has taken real steps to ensure that our fiscal policies are consistent with this objective."

"I've always been proud to be a member of the Blue Dog Coalition," Barrow said. "Together, the Blue Dogs make up the loudest voice in Congress for common sense fiscal restraint. If middle class families and small businesses in this country can balance their budgets in order to get by, then the United States Congress ought to be able to do the same."

Due to the efforts of Rep. Barrow and his Blue Dog colleagues, the House rules package for the 110th Congress was passed in the first 24 hours of the new session and includes key principles of the Coalition's 12-point plan to restore fiscal responsibility and accountability to the federal government. Specifically, the package requires pay-as-you-go budget discipline, known as "PAYGO," with no new deficit spending. Also introduced by the Blue Dog Coalition is H.Res.97, "Providing for Operation Iraqi Freedom Cost Accountability," which is aimed at restoring fiscal accountability to the funding of the war in Iraq. Key provisions of H.Res.97 were recently included in the Fiscal Year 2008 National Defense Authorization bill.

The fiscally conservative Democratic Blue Dog Coalition was formed in 1995 with the goal of representing the center of the House of Representatives and appealing to the mainstream values of the American public. The Blue Dogs are dedicated to a core set of beliefs that transcend partisan politics, including a deep commitment to the financial stability and national security of the United States. Currently there are 47 members of the Blue Dog Coalition.

Rep. Barrow is currently featured on the Blue Dog Coalition website, located at http://www.house.gov/ross/BlueDogs/.

Source