Cubin Votes Against Bloated Spending Bill

Cubin Votes Against Bloated Spending Bill

Legislation Would Increase Foreign Operations Budget By More Than $500 Million

Washington - U.S. Representative Barbara Cubin (R-WY) voted this afternoon against a bloated foreign aid bill that would increase overall federal spending by more than $500 million over the next year.

The bill, backed by House leadership and the White House, was approved by a vote of 358 to 39.

"We're having a hard time paying the bills here at home, much less committing another $500 million overseas in foreign aid," said Cubin. "Defense and homeland security should be our priorities and there's no doubt they require an increase in funding, while decreasing funding elsewhere. Providing billions of dollars in foreign aid, often to countries that openly oppose our values, just doesn't rise to that level."

The bill approved by the House provides funding for all foreign assistance over the next fiscal year. It includes $13.5 million in economic support for Northern Ireland, even though Northern Ireland's current unemployment is less than in the United States.

The total cost of the bill is $20.9 billion, a $1.24 billion increase over last year.

"The American taxpayers shouldn't be asked to bear such a heavy burden unless we know that we're getting a return on our investment," said Cubin. "In light of the costs of the war and the recovery from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the responsible course would be to direct more of these dollars to our own backyard."

The bill approved today was a conference report that reconciled the House and Senate versions of the legislation. Pending final Senate approval it is ready to be signed into law.

http://www.house.gov/cubin/news/2005/November4e.html