Senator Byrd Backs

Senator Byrd Backs

Balancing Budget

In a statement from Washington, Senator Harry F. Byrd said, “I commend the President for his efforts toward a balanced budget. I shall support this objective.

I hope taxpayers of the country will demand that those representing them in Congress—House and Senate—act to balance the budget ' in fact.

Expenditures should be cut below the President’s $77 billion figure. The budget relies too heavily on anticipated increases in tax revenue, and no provision is made for ‘debt reduction. Jt is gratifying to note Budget Message recognition of need for: 1. Item veto authority; 2. Consolidation of appropriation bills; 3. Expenditure control, Including authority to spend out of debt rec e i p t s, foreign currencies, etc.; 4. Bringing so-called business-type agencies under the (government) Corporation Control Act; and 5. Continuing review of laws, programs and agencies for dead wood.

I have advocated these reforms for years. ^

I have introduced item veto bills repeatedly since 1938. Another resolution was introduced last week by Senator Bush, Williams of Delaware and me.

Resolutions for a single appropriation bill with expenditure control have been passed twice in the Senate, but each time they died in the House. The proposal will bo introduced again shortly.

The need for expenditure control is obvious. If die President’s appropriation requests are enacted, federal agencies will be authorized to spend $149.6 billion—$76^8 billion in new spending authorize tions and $72.8 billion in balances carried over from prior years.

Congress has lost annual control over expenditures. Its recovery ‘ would be one of the most important things that could be done in this session. ■»

Bilb would be offered to bring business-type agencies under the Corporation Control Act and to