According to CongressDaily, on Tuesday, Oct. 11, the House Republican leadership delayed the budget reconciliation process by a week to give committees more time to suggest spending cuts.

 

Speaker Hastert is seeking at least $50 billion in savings from mandatory spending programs, up from the $35 billion previously proposed. Hastert and fiscal conservatives sought the higher number to offset spending for Hurricane Rita repairs. Authorizing committees originally were given until the week of Oct. 17 to offer their proposed spending cuts, but that timetable was extended to Oct. 24 to accommodate the higher figure.

It is important that our Representatives in Congress hear from all of us to ensure the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge isn't handed over to the oil industry.