Owens Seeks Constituent Input on Federal Spending Cuts, Mandate Relief

Press Release

Congressman Bill Owens today unveiled a section on his website for constituents to suggest direct spending cuts and government mandates in need of reform or elimination. This represents another opportunity for constituents of New York's 21st congressional district to connect with their Congressman and provide meaningful input to his work in Washington.

"Making government work better has been a top priority of mine since coming to Congress," said Owens. "I continue to get positive feedback from constituents at town hall meetings and in my travels across the district on this issue, and this addition to the website offers me another chance to get ideas directly from the people I represent."

Owens spear-headed a number of initiatives to cut spending and reduce government mandates in the past. In the 112th Congress, Owens introduced and passed into law legislation eliminating an obsolete reporting mandate on auto dealerships and cutting spending at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Owens also worked with his colleagues to press for the full implementation of savings identified in a recent report by the General Accountability Office.

In addition, Congressman Owens joined with a number of his colleagues in calling for USDA to reconsider calorie limits for school lunches after hearing from local school districts that the limitations went too far. USDA responded by eliminating the limits on grains and meat, giving schools greater flexibility to provide an adequate meal for their students.

"I support responsible spending cuts and mandate reform across the federal government, but no one person, party or elected official has all the right answers to get us there," Owens said. "That's why it is critical for constituents to weigh in with their thoughts for how we can continue improving the way government does business. This new section of my website is another step in that process."

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