July 22, 2011: Wittman Rejects Bill Funding Congressional Operations

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-1) today voted against legislation funding Congressional Operations, citing concerns that the bill does not reflect the need for serious cuts to federal spending. Today the House voted to pass the Fiscal Year 2012 Legislative Branch Appropriations bill (H.R. 2551), which appropriates $3.3 billion for Legislative Branch entities, including $1.2 billion for House operations and $2.1 billion for Legislative Branch agencies and other offices, including the Capitol Police, Congressional Budget Office (CBO), Library of Congress, Government Accountability Office (GAO), and Government Printing Office (GPO). The bill reflected $227 million less in funds than the current year's funding level, a six percent reduction.

"In this economic climate, I believe Congress has a duty to set the tone for fiscal responsibility and this bill fails to meet the threshold of serious cuts," Wittman said. "My concern with this bill today is its lack of more substantive cuts to all Congressional operations. I also am concerned that Congress has failed to first consider legislation cutting the salaries of Members of Congress. We must set the example, cut our own salary, and work toward solutions to reduce this nation's debt and balance the budget."

Congressman Rob Wittman represents the First District of Virginia. He serves on the House Natural Resources Committee and the House Armed Services Committee where he is the Chairman of the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee.​

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