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Budget and Spending

The working families and small businesses in our islands are struggling in this difficult economy. I have witnessed the effects of this struggle throughout our district. The top concerns that constituents share with me are the runaway federal spending and the growing national debt which together threaten our economy and hinder job growth. We cannot spend and borrow our way out of this economic downturn. It simply won’t work.

The federal government is spending too much money on programs that do too little for the American people. Washington’s intervention in our economy has spiraled out of control.

With our debt soaring past $14 trillion, we must plan where we’re going and how much it will cost us to get there. We need bipartisan support to bring spending under control.

Here are some ways I fought to bring fiscal responsibility and accountability to Washington:

H. J. Res. 1- Balanced Budget Resolution (co-sponsored)

This resolution proposes a constitutional amendment to require a balanced budget. Hard working Americans are required to live within their means. Yet in 2010, Congress will not only operate without a balanced budget, but without passing a budget at all. It’s time to hold our leaders accountable for deficit spending.

H.R. 1294- Congressional Accountability and Line-Item Veto Act of 2009 (co-sponsored)

This bill authorizes the President to propose the repeal of any congressional earmarks or the cancellation (line item veto) of any limited tariff benefit or targeted tax benefit. If enacted, this bill would allow the President to cut out wasteful and fiscally irresponsible spending.

H.R. 5454- Reduce Unnecessary Spending Act of 2010 (co-sponsored)

This bill provides an optional fast-track procedure that the President may use when submitting rescission requests. The President should have the ability to expedite legislation that eliminates unnecessary federal spending. This legislation would streamline the process and allow a straight up-or-down vote on rescissions.

H.R. 5258- Earmark Transparency Act of 2010 (co-sponsored)

This bill requires Congress to establish a unified and searchable database on a public website for congressional earmarks. For too long, wasteful earmarks have been negotiated in closed door meetings. Providing a searchable database shines a light on the process. As a State Representative in Hawaii, I succeeded in opening the State’s budget worksheets to the public. The time has come to open the Washington earmark process to public scrutiny as well.

Last updated by Charles Djou Feb 20.

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