Rep Andrews Votes for Joint Funding Resolution

Press Release

Rep Andrews Votes for Joint Funding Resolution

Last week, the House passed a resolution that would provide federal funding for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2007. It will ensure that the federal government remains open to provide vital services to the nation for the rest of the year. This resolution funds government programs at FY 2006 levels, except for some much needed increases in veterans' healthcare, national security, and education. Most notably, this bill is free of earmarks. I applaud the House leadership for making the tough choices and passing a fiscally sound spending bill.

The erstwhile Republican majority failed to pass 9 of 11 appropriations bills for FY 2007, which is now four months old. Vital programs in education, healthcare, law enforcement, veterans' affairs, and other critical areas were simply passed over. Earmarks were also mismanaged under the previous leadership: the FY 2001 spending bills contained 6,333 earmarks worth $18.5 billion, which increased to 9,963 earmarks worth $29 billion in FY 2006. The new majority has ended this irresponsibility by stripping out all earmarks for FY 2007.

I am pleased that the new majority has kept its promise for fiscal responsibility and earmark reform. The joint funding resolution that was recently passed by the House sends a clear message that the abuses of the past will no longer be tolerated. I will continue my commitment to fiscal responsibility and earmark reform when the House begins to consider its FY 2008 appropriations this year.

Source