House Appropriations Chairman Hal Rogers (R., Ky.) has announced that the continuing resolution coming out of his committee — and likely to the floor sometime next week — will contain $100 billion worth of spending cuts for the remainder of the fiscal year (through September). This marks a significant political victory for House conservatives like Reps. Jeff Flake (R., Ariz.), RSC chairman Jim Jordan (R., Ohio), and freshman members who insisted that the cuts previously announced by party leadership were insufficient.
“After meeting with my subcommittee Chairs, we have determined that the CR can and will reach a total of $100 billion in cuts compared to the President’s request immediately — fully meeting the goal outlined in the Republican ‘Pledge to America’ in one fell swoop,” Rogers said in a statement. “Our intent is to make deep but manageable cuts in nearly every area of government, leaving no stone unturned and allowing no agency or program to be held sacred. I have instructed my committee to include these deeper cuts, and we are continuing to work to complete this critical legislation.”
More on the events leading up to this decision here, here and here.
$100 billion reminds me of the scene in Titanic which showed them launching flares into the air over the empty, pitch black sea that was waiting to swallow them up.
Still, better than the deck chair rearranging that we've had so far.
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseHow sad is it that there was this much nail-biting over such a paltry amount?
And how terrifying is it that $100 BILLION dollars is a paltry amount?
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseI don't want $100 billion in cuts compared to the President's request. Heck, Obama's been spending money like it's water.
I want cuts in the real amount of spending now. Going back to the 2008 budget and then cutting from there would be a good start - but only a start.
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseHoly Toledo!
Reply to this commentLinkReport AbuseSome of these freshman need to pipe down, and read the pledge. It promised $100 Billion in cuts in the next fiscal year (starting 10/1/11), not the current one. Ryan knows what he is doing. I hope this does not backfire on the republicans.
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