Washington, D.C.— U.S. Congressman Steve King today testified before the U.S. House Budget Committee and called upon the Committee to make the most wise and efficient use of taxpayer dollars when proposing the Fiscal Year 2007 budget.

King outlined a number of modifications to the budget process that would instill accountability and fiscal discipline into government spending.

King’s proposed changes would make the appropriations process accountable by requiring spending committees to find savings in government programs, require a balanced budget to be passed into law, require emergency spending to be included in the budget, and give every House Member the opportunity to cut out wasteful spending by offering amendments for an up or down vote by the full House.

Following are excerpts of King’s statement:

“Spending is out of control and we are paying more money per household on taxes than we have at any time since the Second World War. We need to get out of the cycle of automatic spending increases.  We need to get Washington out of the mind set that the federal government needs to grow every year."

“I believe we can work together to reduce the deficit and still support a budget that provides for the common defense, helps us fight and win this war on terror, and promotes economic growth. There is nothing courageous or commendable about voting for deficits.  True courage is exhibited by taking a tough stand and choosing to cut spending.  When it comes to federal programs, it is not how much money is spent, but also what we spend the money on that counts.  I believe we need to chart an economic course in this Nation that will not bankrupt our children and grandchildren. I look forward to working with the Committee to accomplish the goal of not only reducing the deficit but also balancing the budget."

Last week, the President submitted his FY 2007 budget request to Congress. House Committees will now submit FY 2007 estimates under their areas of jurisdiction to the Budget Committee, and the Budget Committee proposes a budget resolution, which is voted upon by the full House. The House and Senate then must both approve the budget resolution conference report. In May, the House may begin to consider appropriations bills on the House floor.