Back in January of 2011 new leadership was granted power in the U.S. House of Representatives by the American people. The overwhelming message voters demanded was to stop the reckless spending. House Republicans took immediate action – leading by example – doing what they said they would do.
Since 2011, House Republicans have grown these cuts to more than $782 million. That amounts to an overall 14% reduction in the cost of Congress. That is a big deal and unfortunately nowhere else in government have we seen an agency offer to cut its own budget or spending.
The day I was sworn in to represent Iowans in January of 2015, I immediately set out to do my part. With my experience I was able to get on the influential House Appropriations Committee, where the federal government gets funded. Serving on this committee lets me exercise the power of the purse, to demand accountability for every aspect, every program in our federal government on behalf of every Iowan.
Initially, I served on the Legislative Branch Appropriations Subcommittee where the $782 million in cuts originated. I spent a lot of time with my colleagues discussing additional opportunities to cut waste and save money – respecting the taxpayers for whom we work. We achieved those savings and I think that lesson must be applied across the board in every department, agency and program of the federal government.
We must work together to find solutions and deliver results because that is what hardworking taxpayers expect and it is what they deserve. Everyone benefits from a government that listens to its people; I promise I will always listen to and work for you.