Bishop Calls For Budget Reform

WASHINGTON D.C. This afternoon-only days after the Administration’s budget was delivered to Congress-Congressman Bishop joined his colleagues on the Blue Dog Coalition in introducing a 12-step reform plan to put an end to the President’s runaway deficit spending.

“With record deficits on the rise, it is clear that the only way to get our fiscal house in order is to change the way Congress budgets taxpayer dollars,” said Congressman Bishop. “These common-sense budget enforcement rules are an important step in getting back on track.”

The Blue Dog 12-Step Budget Reform is composed of 12 vital steps to getting our nation’s fiscal house back in order.

1) Require a balanced Budget
2) Don’t let Congress buy on credit - Pay as you go
3) Put a lid on spending
4) Require federal agencies to put their fiscal houses in order
5) Make Congress tell taxpayers how much they’re spending
6) Set aside a rainy-day fund
7) Don’t hide votes to raise the debt limit
8) Written justification for earmarked projects
9) Ensure that Congress reads the bills it’s voting on
10) Require honest cost estimates for every bill that Congress votes on
11) Make sure new bills fit the budget

Make Congress do a better job keeping tabs on government programs

“The Administration and Congress need to work together to establish spending caps and pay-as-you-go rules, which will force the federal government to live within its means,” said Congressman Bishop. “This 12-step plan provides a good framework to make that a reality.”

The Blue Dogs are a group of 35 moderate and conservative Democrats whose attention to fiscal discipline has won them praise from magazine and newspaper editorials around the country