GOP lawmaker takes aim at Congress’ ‘no rules apply’ emergency spending sprees
House fiscal hawk, Rep. Marlin Stutzman, R-Ind., is taking a stand to bring more accountability to congressional emergency spending with the introduction of the Emergency Spending Accountability Act. This new legislation aims to create guardrails for last-minute funding designated for national emergencies, such as natural disasters or the COVID-19 pandemic, that often bypass the usual budgeting process.
Stutzman highlighted the tendency for Congress to overreact during emergencies, leading to the passage of large spending bills without proper consideration. He emphasized the need for a more structured approach to emergency funding to prevent unnecessary expenditures and ensure that taxpayer dollars are used effectively.
The lawmaker pointed out the significant increase in the national debt over the years, with more than $12 trillion in emergency spending contributing to the deficit. He raised concerns about the lack of repayment for emergency funds and the potential misuse of taxpayer money for non-emergency purposes.
Under the Emergency Spending Accountability Act, the federal government would be required to gradually pay off the balance of emergency spending over a five-year period following an emergency declaration. The legislation also mandates that emergency funds must meet specific criteria outlined in the Balanced Budget and Emergency Control Act of 1985 to justify their necessity and urgency.
Stutzman’s bill, supported by seven House Republican co-sponsors, aims to promote responsible spending practices and ensure that emergency funds are allocated efficiently. While acknowledging the need for emergency spending in certain situations, such as the pandemic or natural disasters, he emphasized the importance of offsetting cuts and better planning to manage taxpayer dollars effectively.
In a statement, Stutzman emphasized the need for Washington to adopt a more prudent approach to emergency spending, similar to how companies and families maintain emergency funds for unexpected expenses. He underscored the importance of incorporating fiscal responsibility into the government’s budgeting process to prevent unnecessary debt accumulation.
As the debate over emergency spending continues in Congress, Stutzman’s proposed legislation offers a comprehensive framework for enhancing accountability and oversight in the allocation of emergency funds. By implementing these measures, lawmakers can ensure that emergency spending serves its intended purpose and adheres to strict guidelines to protect taxpayer interests.
This article was written by Alex Miller for Fox News Digital, covering the U.S. Senate.
