Budget
More on Budget
Earlier this month, President Obama released his budget even though it was due on February 4th. While the House and Senate have already passed 10-year budget resolutions and the President’s proposals have little chance of being enacted, it is a revealing look at his priorities and vision for America.
Last month, spending cuts took effect to reduce spending by $1.2 trillion over 10 years as agreed to in the Budget Control Act of 2011. These cuts, also known as the “sequester” were accompanied by dire warnings from President Obama and others about the catastrophic impacts reducing government spending would have on our economy and safety.
The budget process is one of the most basic functions of government - to set priorities of how to best use tax dollars. Every year, Congress and the President are required by law to agree to a 10-year budget resolution to manage our nation’s long-term finances. However, for too long we have not used the budget process to improve the fiscal condition of our country.
Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) today issued the following statement after voting in favor of the H.Con.Res. 25, the House Republican Budget and H.R. 933, which funds the government for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2013:
Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE) is asking the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to explain their decision to close 189 contract control towers, including the tower at the Central Nebraska Regional Airport in Grand Island.
Many Americans, including myself, are often frustrated by the inability of Congress to get important legislation passed. Congress was unable to agree to a new long-term Farm Bill last year. The Senate has not passed a budget in nearly four years. And it seems like Congress and the President are locked in constant showdowns to avoid the latest ceiling, cliff, or shutdown.