Crapo Notes Budget Debt Still Rising

Washington, D.C. - Noting it continues recent double-digit spending increases, Idaho Senator Mike Crapo opposed the temporary stopgap measure providing funding for federal agencies until December. The Senate vote follows the failure of Congress to pass any of the 12 government funding measures for individual federal agencies by the statutory October deadline.

"The leadership in Congress has failed to approve ongoing budgets, yet we have found time to debate bailouts and more stimulus packages, and Idahoans find time to pay their own bills and balance their own checkbooks," Crapo said. "It is time to send the message that double-digit increases in spending are no longer acceptable."

Based on an analysis by Senate Republican leadership, Fiscal Year 2010 spending levels are 17 percent above those in Fiscal Year 2008 and more than eight percent above those in Fiscal Year 2009. Crapo noted those increases come in a flat economic period where inflation is largely non-existent. The spending measure was approved on a 69 to 30 vote by the full Senate.

Prior to final passage, Crapo supported an amendment to reduce funding by 5 percent for all non-national security and veterans programs, an amendment estimated to save $22 billion. The amendment was defeated on a 48 to 51 vote.

The measure now moves to the House for final approval.