March 07, 2011

Manchin Supports Legislation to Reduce Senate's Budget

Bill would mandate a 5 percent cut for Senate offices.

Washington – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today announced he is cosponsoring legislation that would substantially cut the U.S. Senate budget, requiring 5 percent reductions for each office as well as cuts for committees and general operating expenses.

“We must get our fiscal house in order, and we all have to share the sacrifice of reducing our spending – Congress should be at the top of that list, far ahead of our hardworking families, seniors and veterans,” Senator Manchin said. “After years of explosive spending and skyrocketing debt, the federal government needs to start living within its means – just like American families do. Cutting Congress’ budget will help all of us start to make the hard choices that are necessary to rein in this nation’s out of control spending and start creating jobs again.”

Background:

  • Last week, Senator Manchin supported a short-term, bipartisan Continuing Resolution to cut $4 billion from the nation’s budget, which will keep the government running through March 18.
  • In addition, Senator Manchin has signed on to legislation that would prohibit Members of Congress and the President from being paid during a government shutdown, or if the government hits the debt limit.
  • Senator Manchin came out strongly in favor of a balanced budget amendment last week, and was the first Democrat to put his name on a measure encouraging Congress and the states to require a federal balanced budget. He strongly believes that the federal government should be required to live within its means.

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