Lubbock Times

On April 19, 2024, House Budget Committee Chairman Jodey Arrington presented an amendment at the House Rules Committee hearing on H.R. 8034, 8035, 8036, and 8038 aimed at fully offsetting the cost of national security supplementals and restoring fiscal responsibility.

Chairman Arrington's proposed amendment sought to address the pressing issue of the growing national debt, stating, "At a time when our national debt is approaching $35 trillion, we are adding almost $8 billion to the debt every day, and we pay 62 cents on every dollar just to service the debt, we must lead Congress toward a path of fiscal responsibility." Despite the merits of the amendment, it was not advanced by the Rules Committee for consideration on the House Floor due to House Rules.

The amendment put forward by Chairman Arrington was designed to not only offset the costs of the bills under consideration but also contribute a minimum of $50 billion to deficit reduction. The Chairman emphasized the importance of fiscal responsibility, highlighting the unsustainable trajectory of the nation's debt and the need to avoid burdening future generations with financial obligations.

Additionally, the proposed amendment aimed to reduce out-of-pocket healthcare costs for millions of seniors by equalizing Medicare payments for services that can be safely provided in a physician's office. This policy reform aligns with recommendations from the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission and previous budget proposals from Presidents Obama and Trump.

While the amendment was not advanced for consideration on the House Floor, the House Budget Committee continues to stress the urgency of addressing the nation's fiscal challenges. Chairman Arrington's efforts underscore a bipartisan approach to promoting fiscal responsibility and ensuring sound financial management in national security spending.