Rep. Rick Allen Offers Amendments to Cut Government Spending
Washington,
July 19, 2022
Today, Congressman Rick W. Allen (GA-12) spoke on the House Floor in defense of amendments he introduced to cut government spending by five percent in the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, Department of Interior and Environment, and Financial Services and General Government divisions of the Democrats’ ‘minibus’ spending package, H.R. 8294. His amendments were included in a broader package of amendments, which failed to be included in the legislation by a vote of 199-229. During his remarks, Congressman Allen pointed to record-high inflation as a reason to curtail federal spending—not spend over 14 percent above last year’s spending levels.
Congressman Allen’s full remarks, as delivered. Thank you, Mr. Speaker; I rise today in strong, strong support of my amendments in this en bloc package. Let’s review our nation’s fiscal trajectory here. Our nation is over $30 trillion dollars in debt. American families are dealing with record inflation in large part due to unprecedented federal spending. And what does the other side want to do? Spend more money—which will only make inflation worse! This time last year, the president told us inflation was “temporary” when the rate was just over 5 percent. Fast forward 12 months and inflation in this country has skyrocketed to 9 percent! This bill spends almost 14 percent over last year’s spending levels. If adopted, my three amendments would reduce spending by a modest five percent in the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, Financial Services and General Government, and Department of the Interior, Environment divisions of this spending package. This amendment should be an easy one for everyone to support—look at the American people, don’t you think they’ve cut their expenses? Much more than five percent because of inflation, and we’re going to respond to them like this? And yet Democrats will oppose these moderate cuts! Every time I’m in the district, I hear about the cost of food, the price of gas, and how the other side’s failed fiscal policies are harming American families. Milk is up 16%, butter is up 21%, and eggs are up 33%! The American people are not happy, and it’s showing up in the president’s approval ratings. Instead of continuing down this reckless path, let’s change course. Americans shouldn’t have to watch their hard-earned money continue to be devalued due to radical Democrat policies, and if we are serious about stopping inflation, Congress must rein in wasteful spending and enact policies that will enable us to reclaim our energy independence. I urge all members to vote in favor of my amendments and this en bloc package.
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