Press Releases

Rep. Loudermilk (R-GA) issued the following statement today after submitting a suggestion for a new Republican Conference Rule to Chairwoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers and Chairman Luke Messer:
 
“One of the primary responsibilities of Congress is to create the budget and manage the appropriations for the federal government. This responsibility is also an authority given to Congress that is used to constrain the other branches of government.

“However, over the past several years, Congress has abdicated that authority and, instead of completing the process of budgeting and appropriating, they have just opted to continue operating the government AS-IS through passing a series of Continuing Resolutions (CRs).

“Every successful business and family in America has to effectively manage their resources and their budget; and Congress should do no less.  The federal government gives April 15 as a deadline to pay our taxes and, if we don’t, there are serious consequences. But there are no consequences or deadlines on Congress to do its job in completing the appropriations process.
 
“My proposed change to the rule states:  ‘All appropriations bills must be passed by the last Friday before the August recess. If the Conference fails to complete this goal, the Speaker of the House is required to rescind August recess and hold Congress in session until all appropriations bills have been passed.’

“When I ran a business, we kept working on each job until it was completed. The American people expect Congress to stay at work until we complete the task we are primarily sent to do each year.  This rule will ensure we put the future of the American people over our own interests."