[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2005, Book II)] [December 21, 2005] [Page 1898] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]Statement on Senate Passage of Legislation To Reduce Entitlement Spending December 21, 2005 The Senate vote to reduce entitlement spending is a victory for taxpayers, fiscal restraint, and responsible budgeting, and it will help keep us on track to cut the deficit in half by 2009. I applaud the Republicans in the House and Senate who supported the legislation. This will be the first time in nearly a decade that Congress has reduced entitlement spending. This strong bill demonstrates our commitment to funding our Nation's priorities and ensuring that taxpayer money is spent wisely.