Smith Calls for Congressional Budget Responsibility

HIXSON, September 30 – Third District Congressional Candidate Robin Smith today reacted to the impending passage of the Legislative Branch Appropriations Bill by the U.S. Senate following approval by the House of Representatives last week. Under the bill, the annual cost to the taxpayers to fund the operation of Congress will rise to $4.7 billion this year, a 5.8% increase over 2008. Included in the bill are new funds to pay for members of Congress to host foreign dignitaries and $4 million in new money to pay for new consultants for the Senate leadership.

“At a time when most Americans are watching their wallets and worrying about the bottom line, the spending party in Washington rolls along,” Smith said.  “If the Congress is going to reverse the public’s lack of faith in their ability to govern responsibly, they should look at their own budget. This Congress and president have shown no apparent concern for the financial train wreck they are handing to our children and the vote to approve higher funding for their lavish lifestyle merely proves they are not serious about fiscal responsibility. As a member of Congress, I will immediately move to review the budget of Congress and propose reductions that reflect the troubled economic times for our nation.

If members of Congress are serious about addressing the mess they have made of our budget, they should first look in the mirror.”