Dear Member of Congress:

For the benefit of all of Americans, we encourage you to move forward on The Deficit Reduction Act of 2005. This monumental and necessary bill would provide $53.9 billion of savings over 5 years in the government’s mandatory spending programs. If you are committed to growing the economy and solidifying prosperity in the future, reducing auto pilot funding of programs is the best place to start.

The current trend of fixed expenditures is dangerous and cannot be sustained. Currently, mandatory spending takes up a massive 54 percent of the entire federal budget, and if left to its own devices, it will balloon to 62 percent. This is reckless and must not become acceptable policy.

Congress now has the opportunity to deal with this wasteful spending head-on. Regaining control of the federal budget will allow Congress to make sure every program in the budget is funded appropriately while cleaning up the redundant programs that distort the transmission of services to those truly in need.

But while these current budget issues may be somewhat gloomy, there is still much to be encouraged by. Recent reports indicate the budget deficit for this year will be as much as 22 percent lower than February’s estimates. In addition, the Department of Commerce’s most recent announcement says that the U.S. economy exceeded expectations and gained 3.8 percentage points last quarter, illustrating the resiliency of the U.S. economy. Indeed, it’s the pro-growth policies passed in Congress that have helped America maintain a steady growth rate.

But more must be done.

We applaud those in Congress with a commitment to policies that create an environment for continued job growth and economic prosperity. Reining in mandatory spending is the next step in this process. Both our members and your constituents are adamant that their money be spent effectively and with restraint. By getting behind this important piece of legislation, you will be fulfilling your commitment to ensure that critical government programs meet their core missions and that not one taxpayer dollar is wasted.

The grassroots members of Americans for Prosperity hope you help pass the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 soon. We all look forward to congratulating Congress on passing this historic bill.

Sincerely,

Michelle L. Korsmo
Executive Vice President