There was another one that really got to me too but I can't recall it right now.
Rep. Harold “Hal” Rogers vowed to enforce the GOP pledge to stopped earmarks and drastically slash governement spending. You have a problem with that?
Rep. Hal’s press release. You have a problem with Hal?
Incoming House Appropriations Chairman Hal Rogers today announced that the annual operating budget for the House Appropriations Committee will take a 9% cut from last year’s levels. The cut is part of a proposal by Republican leadership in the House to trim the overall budgets of all Members of Congress, committees, and leadership offices. While the average cut will be 5% across these offices, Rogers directed his Committee to take the much larger 9% cut, emphasizing his commitment to significantly reducing government spending.
“Congress must begin immediately to reduce spending, and these budget cuts should start here and now – in our own offices. To demonstrate my strong commitment to slashing spending, reducing our national deficit, and getting our economy on track, I have directed my own Committee budget to be cut by nearly double the amount of reductions proposed for other House offices. This year, the Appropriations Committee will be ground zero for a wide range of reductions across the federal government, and by cutting our own budget first, we are showing we’re willing to lead by example,” Rogers said.
The proposed legislation for the House budget cuts will save taxpayers an estimated $35 million in the first year alone.
Rep. Hal:
Washington, DC, Dec 8, 2010 - “I am honored by the Republican Conference’s decision to elect me as their Chairman of the Appropriations Committee. It is truly humbling to receive the confidence of my colleagues and I am ready to get to work so that together we can move our country forward. We are facing unprecedented times and the American people are giving us a unique opportunity to start reining in government and getting our economy back on track. My Republican colleagues and I are listening and we will fight to rein in spending, implement rigorous oversight and work together to change the culture on Capitol Hill. There is no room for failure, our nation’s security depends on us getting this right and finding a new way forward.”
Rep. Hal:
Washington, Oct 18, 2010 - Last month, U.S. Congressman Hal Rogers (KY-05) and his Republican colleagues released A Pledge to America and put forward a plan to repeal the misguided health care bill and enact real health care reform that addresses the rising cost of health insurance and opens up access for all Americans.
“Our country provides the best medical care in the world - yet many Americans struggle to get the care they need because of the astronomical costs,” said Rogers. “That is why I support real health care reform that opens up access for all Americans, lowers the cost of health care and health insurance, and enables small businesses to purchase health insurance for their employees. The monstrosity of a health care bill that passed earlier in the year does nothing to lower costs and only imposes more red tape on our small businesses. Furthermore, this bill raises taxes on hard-working Americans and will sink us further into debt. It’s time to repeal the bill and get serious about true health care reform.”
In A Pledge to America, Republicans call for a repeal of the recently passed health care bill and instead replace it with real reform. The plan would enact medical liability reform which will lower costs by reining in junk lawsuits and stop “defensive” medicine. The plan also would allow Americans to purchase health insurance across State lines so that families have more choices. Republicans would also expand health savings accounts, strengthen the doctor-patient relationship, ensure access for patients with pre-existing conditions and permanently prohibit taxpayer funding of abortion.
Rogers has served Kentucky’s 5th Congressional District since 1981. With a focus on economic development, job creation, fighting illegal drugs and preserving Appalachia’s natural treasures, he has a reputation for listening to his constituents and fighting for the region he represents. For more information visit www.halrogers.house.gov.