Critz Returns 5% of Budget to Pay Down National Debt

Press Release

Congressman Mark S. Critz (PA-12) today fulfilled a promise he made earlier this year to return five percent of his Congressional operating budget to help pay down the national debt.

Members of Congress are given an annual operating budget to pay for staff salaries, office rent and expenses, mailings, and other items pertinent to the operation of an office.

"The American people want the U.S. Government to reverse its spending habits and pay down the national debt, and I'm happy that incoming Speaker Boehner will implement my idea of cutting spending within Congress," added Critz.

Incoming Speaker of the House John Boehner embraced Critz's legislation earlier this month and announced that all House offices will see their budgets reduced by five percent in the coming 112th Congress.

In July of this year, Critz introduced the Share the Financial Burden Act (H.R. 5927) to cut all House and Senate Members' budgets by 5%, as well as the salary for all Members of Congress. This legislation would save the nation approximately $250 million per year.

"Our neighbors across western Pennsylvania are making difficult sacrifices in this tough economic time, and we in government must also tighten our belts and get our fiscal house in order," said Critz. "I promised to cut five percent from my budget, and today I am returning $45,204 to the U.S. Treasury to help pay down our national debt."

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