Harper Votes to Cut Additional $6 Billion in Federal Spending

Statement

U.S. Representative Gregg Harper (R--Miss.) issued the following statement after voting in support of H.J.Res. 48, the "Additional Continuing Appropriations Amendments, 2011. "This legislation funds the federal government through April 8, 2011 to avoid a shutdown and maintains the pro-rated level of spending reductions -- $2 billion per week -- that keeps the government on pace to roll back spending to Fiscal Year 2008's pre-stimulus, pre-bailout levels.

"By cutting spending $6 billion and eliminating 25 wasteful programs, this vote confirms my commitment to driving down spending and shrinking the size of the federal government.

"This stopgap measure is only temporary. In order to truly improve the budget process and focus on our nation's long-term challenges, Congress must restore fiscal integrity to the federal government through entitlement reform.

"Let us not forget that the House of Representatives has passed a funding bill for the remainder of the fiscal year, which would reduce spending by $61 billion. Even the White House has produced a plan to fund the government for 2011, though I find their proposal to be woefully inadequate. The Democratic-led Senate has yet to offer a budget solution, which illustrates a lack of leadership. It is my hope that this short-term extension will give House and Senate negotiators ample time to complete their discussions. Let's be clear, we simply cannot spend money we do not have."

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