Dear Jl:

Thank you for taking the time to contact me regarding the beginning actions of the 112th Congress. I appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts on this matter.

Each Member of Congress has taken an oath to "support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign or domestic." We each strive to protect the document which secures our fundamental freedoms. The 39 visionary Founding Fathers who signed the Constitution changed the course of world history. After months of deliberations, they succeeded in securing liberties and freedoms that were unimaginable to previous generations. The principles they secured in the Constitution should be the guide for every action the federal government undertakes. 

 On Thursday, January 6, 2011 the U.S. House of Representatives opened the 112th Congress by reading the Constitution on the House floor for the very first time in history. The American people sent a loud message in November that they are tired of the ever increasing reach of government beyond its Constitutional boundaries. Reading the Constitution on the House floor highlighted the principles of limited-government to Members of Congress. 

Starting with a fresh slate on Wednesday, January 5, 2011, my colleagues and I adopted the new House Rules for the 112th Congress. The rules package includes numerous provisions to fulfill our promises made to the American people by changing the way Congress works and by cutting spending immediately. I fully support the requirements that the public must have three days to view all bills online before the House votes; changing budget enforcement rules to make spending cuts easier and spending increases harder; and a requirement that all introduced bills must cite constitutional authority.

Members of Congress have the responsibility to create legislation that lies within the bounds of our constitutional authority. By establishing a Constitution-focused House of Representatives, we have agreed to only introduce bills or joint resolutions that are accompanied by a statement citing the specific power under the Constitution which authorizes the enactment of that bill. The statement must be submitted by the sponsor of the bill and will be made available online for the public to view. 

The radical and reckless spending of the previous Congress was out of control and the American people were being left to hold the bag.  American families have to live within their means, and so should the federal government. As last year's Democratic majority demonstrated, uncontrollable government spending and record deficits do not and will not create jobs. To grow the economy and create jobs, we will have to put Washington's fiscal house back in order. On January 6, 2011, I continued the fight for fiscal responsibility by voting to cut the operating budgets of House committees, leadership offices, and individual Member offices by five percent or $35 million. The measure passed the House by a vote of 410 – 13 and now moves to the Senate for consideration.

Actions speak louder than words and in difficult times leaders should lead. We can take the first bold step to stop the culture of spending and start a culture of savings. In order to start saving, I voted to reduce non-security discretionary spending for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2011 to Fiscal Year 2008 levels. We have to halt the borrow-and-spend philosophy that brought about today's economic problems. This is done by controlling spending and not raising taxes. 

Controlling government spending and creating a realistic budget are on the top of my priority list as your elected representative.  I will continue to fight for fiscal discipline within the halls of Congress so that our children and grandchildren will not be burdened by this generation's fiscal irresponsibility.

Again, I want to thank you for taking the time to contact me.  Please feel free to contact me if I can be of any further assistance on this matter or if you would like additional information on this topic or other issues facing Congress, please visit my Website at http://crenshaw.house.gov.

Sincerely,

Ander Crenshaw

Member of Congress