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WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Mike Enzi and John Barrasso, both R-Wyo., co-sponsored legislation to reduce spending and streamline the federal government. 

The Implementation of Simpson-Bowles Spending Reductions Act (S. 1936), introduced by Senator Ron Johnson (R-WI), will save an estimated $655 billion over ten years by implementing the discretionary spending recommendations of the Simpson-Bowles commission.

“The Simpson-Bowles commission took aim at Washington’s spendthrift ways with a little Wyoming commonsense,” said Enzi. “We need to do a series of bills like this where there is agreement and start the momentum for a number of steps. We can’t ask the American people to do more with less if Congress is not willing to cut its own budget. The longer we wait to address our $15 trillion national debt, the less options we have.”

“This practical plan will help reduce our nation’s soaring deficit without hurting America’s job creators,” said Barrasso.  “Each of these specific recommendations from the bipartisan Simpson-Bowles commission already have broad support.  Congress can and should act now.  We must implement responsible reforms to rein in Washington’s wasteful spending and reduce the size of the federal government.”

Background:

The Implementation of Simpson-Bowles Spending Reductions Act adopts seven immediate spending reforms recommended by the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform, recommendations supported by Republicans, Democrats, and the President himself:

1. Reduce Congressional and White House Budgets by 15%
2. Impose a 3 Year Freeze on Member Pay
3. Impose a 3 Year Pay Freeze on Federal Workers and DoD Civilians
4. Reduce the Size of the Federal Workforce through Attrition
5. Reduce Federal Travel, Printing, and Vehicle Budgets
6. Sell Excess Government Real Estate
7. Eliminate Congressional Earmarks

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