[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 102 (Wednesday, July 24, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1322]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E1322]]
     PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 5121, LEGISLATIVE BRANCH 
                        APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2003

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                             HON. DAVE CAMP

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 18, 2002

  Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to express my support for the 
fiscal year 2003 Legislative Branch Appropriations bill. This is a 
responsible bill that will provide necessary resources for the 
Legislative Branch to carry out its duties in fiscal year 2003.
  For the past several years, I have proposed an amendment to the 
Legislative Appropriations bill that requires all unspent office funds 
from Members' Representational Allowances be returned to the U.S. 
Treasury and used for debt reduction. This amendment has received 
bipartisan support every year and I am pleased the committee has 
included the proposal in the base bill.
  I have been proud to work with my colleagues in the House of 
Representatives to reduce the national debt and incorporate fiscal 
responsibility into federal spending. We have reviewed programs and 
guidelines to make them more effective. Today, we again have the 
opportunity to reaffirm our promise of fiscal responsibility and 
deficit reduction to the American people by passing this legislation.
  Although we are in a mild recession and a time of economic hardship 
we must maintain our commitment to pay off the national debt by pushing 
for more frugal spending. Without the unspent office funds provision, 
left over funds can be spent on other budget purposes. We must maintain 
our commitment to end wasteful spending and incorporate fiscal 
responsibility into this Legislative Branch Appropriations bill.
  National security and winning the global campaign on terrorism are 
our top priorities, but if the government pursues pro-growth policies 
and maintains spending discipline, we can quickly return the budget to 
surplus. Now more than ever, every penny must be looked after and 
accounted for and it is important to reduce spending and cut government 
waste.
  I would like to thank the Chairman Lewis for his support and for 
including my unspent office funds provision in H.R. 5121 and I urge all 
members to support and pass this legislation.

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