Wilson Follows Through with Spending Reduction Promise

(Washington, DC) - Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-02) issued the following statement after the House passed a comprehensive appropriations bill for fiscal year 2014 (FY14).

"Washington's spending has spiraled out of control, risking the financial security of our economy and placing undue burdens on American families. By voting in favor of today's appropriations bill, I have followed through with my promise to constituents outlined in my legislative priorities for the year.

"We can not continue spending beyond our means. Our government's growing national debt affects each and every one of us. The only way forward is to proactively begin digging ourselves out of the mess big government has created. Although today's appropriations agreement achieves minimal savings in relation to our threatening debt, it is a step in the right direction," Congressman Joe Wilson stated.

Included in H.R. 3547, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, are several provisions that reduce spending from its current levels, while maintaining our national security:

· The spending level is consistent with the discretionary spending outlined in the Ryan-Murray Bipartisan Budget Agreement passed in December. The level in this bill is lower than the President's original FY14 budget request ($191 billion) and the Senate's FY14 budget ($46 billion below).

· The total discretionary spending is $21 billion below last year's post-sequester level. This is the first time since the Korean War that spending has been reduced four years in a row.

· The passage of this bill will result in total discretionary saving of $165 billion since FY10.

· This bill also holds Obamacare funding to post-sequester levels, meaning no new or additional funding for the Affordable Care Act.

· The bill also prevents the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services from funneling a $1 billion slush fund while cutting $10 million from the Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB).