Rep. Cole Votes for Budget to Control Spending, While Meeting Nations Needs

Rep. Cole Votes for Budget to Control Spending, While Meeting Nations Needs
March 17, 2005

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Cole voted today for the Fiscal Year 2006 Budget Resolution (H.Con.Res. 95) that adequately funds our Nation's priorities while reigning in spending and reducing the federal deficit. H.Con.Res. 95 passed in the House today and will now be considered in a House-Senate conference committee.

"This budget ensures that America's economy continues to grow and to create jobs, ensures a 4.8% increase in Defense spending and takes the necessary steps to slow the growth of our current-unsustainable rate of federal spending," Congressman Cole said.

Congressman Cole first voted for Republican Study Committee budget, an amendment made on the floor by Jeb Hensarling (TX-05). This budget includes a larger reduction in non-security (non-defense, non-homeland) discretionary spending, includes a greater opportunity for savings in mandatory spending, reconciles the entire amount of tax relief in the budget and includes items that will make it possible to enforce the budget after it is passed.

"I believe Congress must be held responsible for the tax dollars they are spending. The alternative budget I voted for first, would help make sure Congress stays within the agreed budget," Congressman Cole said. "Fiscal responsibility is absolutely necessary as the deficit continues to rise, placing a great burden on future generations and weakening the dollar against currency around the world."

The budget that passed on the floor cuts the deficit in half by 2009 - in both monetary terms and as a percentage of GDP.

http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/ok04_cole/budgetfy2006.html