Carly Fiorina Calls for Federal Budget Reform

Press Release

Endorses Senator Thune's Deficit Reduction and Budget Reform Act of 2010

Consistent with her calls for a more transparent and accountable federal budget, U.S. Senate candidate Carly Fiorina today announced her support for South Dakota Senator John Thune's Deficit Reduction and Budget Reform Act of 2010, which includes a provision for a two-year budget.

"Washington has a spending problem fueled by career politicians like Barbara Boxer who consistently feed the greed of government. Americans simply cannot afford for Washington to continue on this path of tax, spend and borrow, which has caused sky-high debt and deficit and which is mortgaging our children's future," said Fiorina. "Senator Thune's budget reform bill represents a critically important step toward providing greater transparency, accountability and oversight when it comes to our federal budget, and that's why I'm proud to give it my strongest support."

Under Senator Thune's plan, outlined in S. 3652, Congress would pass two-year appropriation bills in even-numbered years and two-year biennial budgets in odd-numbered years. This type of process will give Congress more time to conduct proper oversight of government spending and government programs and would provide federal agencies and programs more certainty in their budgeting and planning process. The legislation would also cap non-defense discretionary spending, improve PAYGO rules and establish a legislative line-item veto.

The reforms outlined in Thune's bill are consistent with Fiorina's calls for greater transparency and accountability in the federal budget process. Fiorina has previously called for Congress to make every bill, including its complete cost estimate from the Congressional Budget Office, available online at least a week before being voted on. She also supports requiring federal agencies to keep track of their spending online so that taxpayers can see how their money is being spent.

"Families across California and around the nation are struggling to make ends meet, while Washington goes on yet more spending sprees on taxpayers' credit card. It's time we restore sanity to our federal budgeting process, and that's why I'm glad to have Carly's support for my common-sense budget reform bill," added Senator Thune. "Carly's election to the U.S. Senate will represent one more vote for true budget reform, fiscal responsibility and long-term economic growth, and that's why I am proud to support her campaign."

Senator Thune endorsed Fiorina's campaign to defeat Barbara Boxer in June, citing the real-world experience she would bring to the U.S. Senate. Also joining Fiorina and Thune at the press conference this afternoon was Georgia Senator Saxby Chambliss, who currently serves as the Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry. Chambliss was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 2002 following four terms in the House of Representatives.

"During these difficult times, it's critically important that we have colleagues in the U.S. Senate who share our commitment to ensuring the long-term strength of our economy, including when it comes to supporting our nation's agriculture industry," said Chambliss. "As a member of the U.S. Senate, Carly Fiorina will always be a consistent vote for fiscal responsibility and accountability. California's farmers and ranchers will have no more vocal advocate in Washington than Carly, and I am pleased to give her my strongest support."

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