Fixing our Budget Process

September 22, 2023

Friend,

Our federal government's funding expires on Saturday September 30th. As you have likely heard in the news, Congress is actively debating funding for the federal government for the next year.

This debate comes far too close to our deadline. We should never be in this position. I'm just as frustrated as you are with Washington. We must keep the government open and fund our nation's priorities. 

In Wisconsin we operate on biennial budgets and have provisions to completely avoid shutdowns. I have long called for Congress to do the same. Congress shouldn’t be in this position each year. The federal government should be on a biennial budget process similar to Wisconsin. In Wisconsin, when the budget comes in late, Wisconsin does not face an automatic shut-down but instead, the state reverts to funding levels from the previous budget.

I’m focused on funding the government, cutting wasteful spending, and securing the border.

Washington’s spending has gotten out of control. In Washington, cutting even wasteful spending isn’t easy, but it’s necessary. Too many Wisconsin families are unable to afford the things they need because of higher costs driven by excessive spending in Washington. We need to end the covid-era explosion of federal spending and help bring costs down. 

Our border is not secure. The federal government has a duty to enforce our laws and stop the drug and human trafficking crisis we are experiencing. At the federal level, we need to step up and bring this border crisis to an end. 

Without Wisconsin-style provisions in place at the federal level, Congress has limited options that can be considered right now. A continuing resolution, which would fund the government and keep programs open is the likeliest short term solution. This idea is being paired with legislation to secure the border to stop the drug and human trafficking crisis. This is not a perfect solution, as I would greatly prefer a real long-term fix, however, it is imperative that we fund the government and give Congress time to properly pass its spending bills.

To give you an idea of where your tax dollars go, here’s a picture of the previous fiscal year’s revenue and spending.

We have a lot of work to accomplish in a short amount of time. I’m working to stop Washington’s excessive spending and keep the government open. As always, I appreciate hearing from you. If you have any questions about government funding, or would like to share ideas for solution, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

On Wisconsin,

Bryan G. Steil
Member of Congress

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