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USA Today
Boehner-led cost-cutting saving millions in the House
by Susan Davis
April 25, 2013 

WASHINGTON — The House of Representatives will spend 15% less on its own operations this year than it did three years ago under a cost-cutting effort launched by Speaker John Boehner that is on pace to save taxpayers more than $400 million by the end of this year 

When Republicans took control of the House in January 2011, Boehner, the new speaker, said cutting House spending would be a priority. 

Since then, House lawmakers have seen a nearly 20% decrease in their office budgets. Three years ago, the average lawmaker had an annual $1.5 million budget, which is down to $1.2 million. Those budgets — which vary by office — cover everything from staff salaries to district office rent and bottled water. 

The cuts trimmed $58 million from House costs in fiscal year 2011, $143 million in fiscal year 2012, and are on track to save $205 million through fiscal year 2013 when the across-the-board government spending cuts known as sequestration are factored in to the savings, according to Boehner's office. 

The operating budget for the House in 2010 was $1.37 billion; that number has been shaved to $1.16 billion for 2013. 

Lawmakers' salaries and pensions have long been exempted from the budget ax, but the costs of running the 435-member chamber have not been subjected to significant cuts since the mid-1990s. 

"Believe me, I am totally aware that there is no sympathy for members of Congress. However, I think we should lead by example," said Rep. Candice Miller, R-Mich., a Detroit-area congresswoman who chairs the committee that oversees internal budget cuts. 

Read the rest of the article at USA Today


 
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