Today, however, and unlike the president, the leader of the lower chamber is actually serious about cutting operational spending -- which is estimated to save taxpayers some $400 million by January 2014
The House of Representatives will spend 15% less on its own operations this year than it did three years ago under a cost-cutting effort launched by Speaker John Boehner that is on pace to save taxpayers more than $400 million by the end of this year
When Republicans took control of the House in January 2011, Boehner, the new speaker, said cutting House spending would be a priority.
Since then, House lawmakers have seen a nearly 20% decrease in their office budgets. Three years ago, the average lawmaker had an annual $1.5 million budget, which is down to $1.2 million. Those budgets — which vary by office — cover everything from staff salaries to district office rent and bottled water.
You are completely ignoring that the Democrats in the Senate are refusing to implement the same exact cost-savings measures.
Thanks, Kaslin. I made the same observation. Yes, this is a drop in the bucket, but this is the only spending that the House Republicans completely control: their own.
The House has reduced their own spending by 15%, and reduced office budgets by 20%. That's huge, even over three years. If the rest of the government did the same, it would put us on track to a balanced budget.
But, the House Republicans can't do it on their own. The Senate is refusing to even reduce their own spending. That tells you everything you need to know about their priorities.
Boehner walks to the walk. Thanks for posting.