[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 48 (Wednesday, March 15, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E602]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                      COMMITTEE FUNDING RESOLUTION

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                            HON. RON PACKARD

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 15, 1995
  Mr. PACKARD. Mr. Speaker, I want to commend Chairman Thomas for his 
hard work and diligence in bringing the committee funding resolution to 
the floor today. This bill represents the new Republican Congress 
commitment to downsizing and accountability.
  On the very first day of the 104th Congress Republicans voted to cut 
our own committee staffs by one-third. We proved to the American people 
that we are serious about keeping our commitment to giving them the 
smaller, more effective Government they voted for.
  This bill before us today shows the American people that we are 
keeping our promise. Chairman Thomas has introduced a funding request 
that reflects the change we voted for just a few short months ago. It 
represents the largest decrease in committee funding ever.
  Spending the taxpayers' money wisely is important. Chairman Thomas' 
bill not only downsizes Congress but introduces a new level of 
accountability. Changing the way committees pay for staff and supplies 
forces them to justify every penny they spend.
  Congress must now publicly authorize all committee spending every 2 
years and fund all staff salaries out of a single account. For the 
first time, committees will have to account for all of their operating 
expenses. Congress will no longer hide long distance phone call charges 
or paper costs in extraneous accounts. The American people will see 
just how we spend their money.
  Mr. Speaker, as chairman of the Legislative Branch Subcommittee of 
Appropriations I am responsible for funding congressional operations. 
Mr. Thomas' bill offers guidelines to my subcommittee--guidelines which 
I am proud to accept.
  He and I both share a commitment to the American people who work hard 
for the tax dollars they have to send to Washington. The least we can 
do is spend those dollars wisely.


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