Hartzler Joins Budget Committee

Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler has been appointed to the House Budget Committee beginning in January.The committee is responsible for developing the annual budget that determines the levels of spending in the fiscal year. The committee also sets the levels of revenue, deficit or surplus, and public debt expected to happen each year.”In the short time she has been in Congress, Vicky has demonstrated a firm commitment to addressing Washington’s runaway spending,” Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan said in a statement. “The Committee is fortunate to have a small business owner who has signed the front of the check as well as the back of it.””I am honored to serve on the House Budget Committee and thank Chairman Ryan for the opportunity,” said Hartzler in a statement. “I will bring to the table the common sense ideas that I have discussed in conversations with the good citizens of Missouri’s Fourth Congressional District.”Hartzler told ABC 17 News that all eyes will be on the committee by next year if an agreement is not reached on automatic spending cuts and tax hikes. “I’m cautiously optimistic that we will be able to and certainly that’s our goal,” said Hartzler.Hartzler has lined up behind House Speaker John Boehner, who has presented a counteroffer to the White House. She says the ball is now in President Obama’s court to avoid $600 billion in tax hikes and spending cuts.”Now is the time to be bold, now is the time to put our country back on the right path,” Hartzler added. “It will require tough decisions but it can be done. We only have a couple weeks left and so it’s time to quit playing any political games and do what’s right for the American people.”Depending on a household’s average income, the so-called fiscal cliff would cost a Columbia household about $1,700 more and Jefferson City household approximately $2,000 more.Hartzler added that the House Budget Committee will also consider many parts of the controversial budget plan introduced by Rep. Paul last year.”I think you’re gonna see something similar, but we’ll have to see as this thing transpires over the next couple months,” Hartzler explained.Hartzler represents Missouri’s Fourth District, which covers Columbia and Sedalia. She will continue to serve on the House Agriculture Committee and House Armed Services Committee.