[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 7]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 9977]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                   LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS

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                             HON. DAVE CAMP

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 29, 2003

  Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, I submit the following letter for the Record:

     Hon. Jack Kingston,
     Chairman, Legislative Branch Appropriations Subcommittee, 
         Washington, DC.
       Dear Chairman Kingston: I am writing to ask your support 
     for including H.R. 921, a bill I introduced, as an amendment 
     into the base bill of the Legislative Branch Appropriations 
     bill.
       My amendment requires that unused Congressional office 
     funds from Members' Representational Allowances be returned 
     directly to the Treasury at the end of the year for debt 
     reduction. For the last several years, I have introduced this 
     amendment to the Legislative Branch Appropriations bill 
     regarding the use of unspent office funds. Taxpayers for 
     Common Sense, Citizens Against Government Waste, the Concord 
     Coalition, and Citizens for a Sound Economy have all 
     supported this amendment in the past.
       I believe that this amendment provides a good incentive for 
     Members to spend taxpayer funds responsibly and lead by 
     example in our efforts to reduce the national debt. Without 
     this amendment, unexpended Members' Representational 
     Allowances can be ``reprogrammed'' for other budget purposes, 
     frustrating the frugal efforts of many Members. Let's keep 
     practicing sound spending practices and keep us moving 
     towards reducing our enormous national debt.
       Since this amendment has continuously passed with strong 
     support, I would like you to consider including it in the 
     base bill. I have enclosed a copy of the amendment for your 
     consideration. If you have any questions, please do not 
     hesitate to contact me or Brian Sutter on my staff at 5-3561. 
     I look forward to working with you on this issue.
           Sincerely,
                                                        Dave Camp,
     Member of Congress.

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