Budget Reform

Members of the moderate Republican Tuesday Group and the conservative Republican Study Committee unveiled a set of 12 consensus principles to reform the budget process. The bill written by Congressman Kirk and chiefly negotiated by Kirk and Congressman Mike Castle (R-Del.), Congressman Jeb Hensarling (R-Texas), and Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) outlines principles that include automatic spending reductions, so-called PAY/GO rules and other mechanisms to reduce the deficit. In addition, Kirk's bill would create discretionary spending caps and 'firewalls' separating defense, and rescissions of individual spending items deemed wasteful.

"These principles stand for the key value that once we adopt a budget, we must have the tools to stick to it," said Congressman Kirk. "If these principles are adopted, taxpayers and markets will be assured the federal government will spend within its budget."

Cut Federal Spending

Congressman Kirk voted against the $274 billion Farm Bill because the proposed legislation was too expensive and added to our national debt. As a member of the powerful Appropriations Committee, Congressman Kirk voted against 10 amendments that would have increased government spending by $24.4 billion. Kirk is working to cut spending on the wasteful sugar subsidy program that will save taxpayers over $500 million annually.

Government Accountability

Congressman Kirk introduced the Good Government Accounting Act (H.R. 5094) to assure the independence of the Federal Accounting Standards Advisory Board and spearheaded changes that were later adopted by the principals of the Advisory Board.

Congressman Kirk authored an amendment to the Supplemental Appropriations for Reconstruction of Iraq and Afghanistan (H.R. 3289). The Kirk Amendment (H. Amdt. 411) tightens rules that govern government contracts in Iraq to strengthen accountability.