[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 37 (Friday, March 11, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E462-E463]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                REDUCE UNNECESSARY SPENDING ACT OF 2011

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                         HON. CHRIS VAN HOLLEN

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, March 11, 2011

  Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce the ``Reduce 
Unnecessary Spending Act of 2011'' on behalf of the President.

[[Page E463]]

  There is no question we need to rein in spending and put our nation 
on the path to long-term fiscal sustainability--and at the same time 
invest in job growth and ensure that America remains competitive in the 
21st century global economy. With that in mind, President Obama put 
forth a tough love budget that reduces our deficit over 10 years, while 
also investing in our future.
  This legislation will add another tool to make sure the investments 
we make are targeted and designed to maximize economic growth. The 
establishment of an expedited rescission process will help keep us on a 
responsible path and enforce greater fiscal discipline. An expedited 
rescission process allows the President to sign a spending bill into 
law, and at the same time propose to Congress that certain items in the 
bill with a budgetary cost be ``rescinded'' or cancelled. The President 
sends his recommendations for rescission to Congress within a short 
time-frame after presentment of the spending bill, and the Congress 
takes up the proposals on a fast track, acting in a short period after 
receiving the President's recommendations. The rescissions take effect 
only if approved by a majority in each house.
  Even though the current law already provides Presidential rescission 
authority, the law does not ensure that the Congress will vote on the 
President's proposed rescissions. By contrast, the measure President 
Obama is now proposing, and I am introducing by request, adds new 
procedures that will virtually guarantee a vote. In addition, this 
version of the bill ensures that any savings from Congressional passage 
of a rescission approval bill will be dedicated to deficit reduction.
  This proposal is another step forward on the path to greater fiscal 
responsibility. Other Members of Congress, including Chairman Ryan, 
have proposed different versions of expedited recession legislation in 
past years. I hope this year we can work together to find common ground 
in this area.

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