Lummis Statement on Passage of FY2011 Budget Deal

Press Release

U.S. Representative Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.) voted for bipartisan House passage of H.R. 1473, the FY 2011 budget deal, which funds the nation's military and keeps the government running for the remainder of the fiscal year. The legislation contains important language that moves forward negotiations on the status of the gray wolf in Wyoming and includes a provision that defunds the Administration's misguided Wild Lands policy.

Lummis released the following statement:

"For many years, Washington turned a blind eye while it accumulated massive amounts of debt to the detriment of future generations of Americans. I came to Washington to cut up the government credit cards and eliminate the threat that Washington's irresponsible spending poses for our country. Folks in Wyoming and people from every corner of our nation want and deserve a government that is accountable and responsible with their hard-earned tax dollars.

"Although not perfect, this bill represents the beginnings of positive change to Washington's reckless spending culture. Congress is moving in the right direction with the near $40 billion in cuts. But a lot of heavy lifting remains. I'm eager to continue the momentum into FY2012 with the GOP budget blueprint, "The Path to Prosperity,' a serious plan that saves trillions of dollars and gets to the business of paying down America's unsustainable debt. "

Representative Lummis voted in favor of resolutions within the budget to defund the implementation of ObamaCare and prohibit federal dollars from going to Planned Parenthood.

On H.R. 1473's wolf delisting language:

"Language included in H.R. 1473 removes a significant roadblock that would have otherwise stood in the way of the development of an approved state management plan. Wyoming has faced many bumps in the road when it comes to the status of the fully recovered gray wolf in our state. Successfully defending Judge Johnson's ruling in favor of Wyoming's wolf management plan is imperative to advancing meaningful discussions. Although much work remains, I believe we are on our way to the ultimate goal of a full delisting of the gray wolf in Wyoming."

On H.R. 1473's language prohibiting the Department of the Interior (DOI) from using taxpayer money to fund the Wild Lands policy:

"Defunding the Administration's brazen land grab is an important victory for the West. Western communities were completely left in the dark when the Administration overstepped its authority and placed severe limitations on public lands with this unwelcome initiative. I am pleased taxpayer money will be denied to this proposal which would have had serious repercussions for jobs and the Western way of life."

Background:

H.R. 1473 will provide funding to keep the federal government running for the remainder of the fiscal year. Congressional passage of H.R. 1473 ends this fiscal year's budget debate which is the result of the previous Democrat-controlled Congress' failure to propose a budget or enact any of the 12 annual appropriations bills last year.

Source