Texas House Bill HR691

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Introduced: 3/2/11
• Refer: 3/10/11

Caption

Urging the U.S. senators from Texas to support passage of the Cut Federal Spending Act of 2011.

Impact

The Cut Federal Spending Act seeks to rollback federal expenditures to 2008 levels by terminating programs deemed wasteful or beyond the constitutional scope of the federal government, particularly in areas like education and housing. A significant reduction in federal spending could alleviate some pressure on state budgets, as it would lessen the federal interest burden and potentially allow more resources to remain within local jurisdictions. This could empower states and local governments to handle their fiscal challenges more effectively.

Summary

HR691 is a resolution urging Texas Senators to support the Cut Federal Spending Act of 2011, a legislative proposal introduced by Senator Rand Paul aimed at reducing federal government costs by $500 billion. The resolution highlights the pressing nature of the current budget crisis, projecting a near $1.5 trillion deficit for the year 2011 if existing laws are not amended. This alarming fiscal outlook is compounded by previous years' deficits of similar magnitudes, indicating a persistent trend that necessitates immediate action to curb federal spending.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HR691 is largely supportive among its proponents, who argue that reducing federal spending is a critical step towards achieving more sustainable budgetary practices at both federal and state levels. They contend that such measures would ultimately benefit taxpayers by easing the tax burden and reducing government dependence. However, there is a broader concern among opponents regarding the potential implications of cutting funds to crucial areas such as education and housing, which could strain local services and undermine community support.

Contention

Notably, the primary contention surrounding HR691 revolves around the balance between reducing federal expenditure and preserving vital services that directly affect citizens at the community level. Critics assert that indiscriminate cuts could exacerbate issues faced by lower-income populations and limit access to essential services. Thus, while the bill aims to address the deficit problem, the method of achieving those savings and its impact on local state laws and services remains a contentious debate within the legislative discussions.