Owens Votes to Cut House Budget

Statement

Congressman also cosponsors legislation to cut own salary

Today, Congressman Bill Owens voted in favor of H.Res. 22, a resolution cutting the annual operating budget of House Representatives by five percent. The resolution passed the House by a vote of 410-13. Additionally, Owens cosponsored a bill today that would cut salaries for Members of Congress by five percent.

"As Upstate New Yorkers are tightening their belts more than ever, so too must Congress," said Owens. "That is why I supported this move and why I have returned portions of my annual operating budget to the Treasury. Congress cannot seriously talk about being fiscally responsible without practicing the same restraint as working families back home."

Last year, Owens returned more than $40,000 of his 2009 office budget to the Treasury and plans to return significantly more of his 2010 operating expenses. When Members of Congress produce a budget surplus by the end of a calendar year, they have the option to return the overage to the U.S. Treasury. Rep. Owens' return of this surplus is consistent with his fiscally responsible voting record. Since coming to office, he has voted twice against raising the nation's debt ceiling, supported COLA freezes for Members of Congress, and voted in favor of enacting the Pay-As-You-Go system that was responsible for the budget surpluses experienced more than a decade ago.

"There are no silver bullets or quick fixes to get the economy back on the right track," added Owens. "It takes both Democrats and Republicans working together toward a common goal of creating jobs and restoring fiscal responsibility."

H. Res 22 affects the House of Representatives only and does not need approval from the Senate or the President's signature.

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