In his First Floor Statement as a Member of Congress, Patrick Murphy Called for Pay-As-You-Go Budgeting, Then Joined Blue Dog Coalition for a Press Conference Touting New Measures to Restore Fiscal Discipline in House Rules

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, Congressman Patrick Murphy (D-Bristol) made his first floor statement as a member of Congress. Murphy rose on the floor of the House of Representatives at approximately 11:00 a.m. and called for increased fiscal discipline and the restoration of “Pay-As-You-Go” budgeting, or PAYGO, in House Rules. These remarks will be entered into the official record and will be Murphy’s first statement since being elected and being sworn-in as a member of Congress. The PAYGO rules were in place during the Clinton administration and were the reason why Democrats balanced the budget and oversaw record budget surpluses. By co-sponsoring this legislation Congressman Murphy is committed to restoring responsible governing.

Murphy discussed the new House rules proposed by Democrats that do not allow for any bill or amendment to be considered before Congress that would increase the deficit without detailed specifics on how to offset this new spending through cuts or additional revenue. Murphy also discussed the need to protect our children and grandchildren from inheriting mountains of debt created by irresponsible spending in Congress. The full text of Murphy’s floor statement is available below.

Immediately following his remarks, Murphy joined House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer and members of the Blue Dog Coalition for a press conference on fiscal responsibility. At the press conference, Murphy touted three new proposals included in the House rules package that will begin the process of restoring accountability and fiscal discipline in government. At the event, Murphy spoke for the need of Pay-As-You-Go Budgeting.

The Blue Dog Coalition is a group of 44 Democrats committed to fiscal responsibility and they have put forward a 12-point plan to end the nation’s addiction to deficit spending (LINK).

Full Text of Patrick Murphy’s Floor Statement, As Delivered:

“Thank you Mr. Speaker. Thank you to the gentleman from Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as an original cosponsor of this vital measure.

“Mr. Speaker this vote is about one of the most important issues facing America today - fiscal responsibility.

“PAYGO is straightforward – if Congress is going to buy something, we need to figure out how we’re going to pay for it.

“That is what the small business owners, farmers, and families in the 8th congressional district of Pennsylvania do every single day.

“If the Mignonis in Bristol want to expand their store, they have to roll up their sleeves and figure out how they are going to pay for it. When the Russos of Fairless Hills started saving for their daughter’s college tuition, they had to figure out how they were going to pay for that.

“Mr. Speaker, this is exactly what we are voting on here today. If you or I have a good idea – we are going to have to roll up our sleeves – just like the Mignonis and the Russos – and figure out how we are going to pay for it first.

“As most of you know, I have a six-week old daughter Maggie. Maggie, and every other newborn in America are saddled with $28,000 in debt. That is immoral. Voting yes to implementing PAYGO is a first step toward getting our fiscal house in order.

“I yield back the balance of my time. Thank you very much.”

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For Immediate Release, January 5, 2007

Contact: Adam Abrams, (202) 225-4276