Rep. Scott Perry Speaks Out on the Stop-Gap Spending Bill

A Victory for Fiscal Responsibility

Rep. Scott Perry (R-PA) recently shared his insights on the stop-gap spending bill, also known as a continuing resolution (CR), during an appearance on The Alex Marlow Show. The CR, which passed in the House, freezes government spending for six months and marks a significant shift in how congressional leaders approach budgeting. Perry, a conservative lawmaker from Pennsylvania, framed the passage of the CR as a win, emphasizing that it blocked congressional leadership from advancing a more expansive omnibus spending bill.

Perry explained that the CR was not the preferred option for many in leadership, who had been pushing for a comprehensive "four corners deal" that would have included earmarks and special interest carveouts. However, Perry and like-minded conservatives, along with President Trump, pushed back against this approach, forcing leadership to settle for the CR instead. "They don’t want the CR; they’ve been forced into it by people like me and quite honestly, the president," Perry stated. This victory, he argued, reflects a broader effort to rein in wasteful spending and return to more responsible budgeting practices.

The Absence of Earmarks: A Rare Sight in Washington

One of the most notable aspects of the CR, according to Perry, is the complete lack of earmarks. Earmarks, which are provisions in spending bills that allocate funds for specific projects or interests, have long been a controversial practice in Washington. Critics argue that they often benefit special interests at the expense of taxpayers. Perry highlighted the contrast between the CR and the $1.7 trillion omnibus spending bill passed in late 2022, which was loaded with billions of dollars in earmarks.

"This is billions of dollars of earmarks that are off the table," Perry said, emphasizing the significance of their exclusion. He even shared a humorous anecdote about a Republican colleague who complained to him about the lack of earmarks in the CR. "I had a Republican member complaining to me at a meeting this morning. He’s grumbling, ‘Well, I guess I have to vote for this, but you know, my earmarks aren’t in it.’" Perry’s response was blunt: "I’m not into that." His comments reflect a broader conservative push to eliminate earmarks and restore transparency and accountability in government spending.

The Broken State of Congressional Appropriations

Perry also used the opportunity to critique the dysfunction of the congressional appropriations process. He pointed out that the last time Congress followed a "normal" appropriations process was in 1996. Since then, lawmakers have relied heavily on continuing resolutions and omnibus bills to keep the government funded, rather than passing individual appropriations bills through the standard legislative process.

"We have to find a new way to do business," Perry argued. The reliance on stop-gap measures and massive spending packages, he suggested, is unsustainable and undermines the principles of fiscal responsibility. Perry’s comments echo the frustrations of many conservatives who believe that the current system prioritizes political expediency over sound financial management. By pushing for the CR and opposing earmarks, Perry and his allies hope to set the stage for more substantial reforms in the future.

A Republican Lawmaker’s Pushback

Perry’s remarks also revealed some internal tensions within the Republican Party. During a meeting, a GOP lawmaker expressed frustration that his own earmarks were not included in the CR. Perry, who has long been a critic of earmarks, found the complaint both amusing and exasperating. "I’m thinking, you’re talking to the guy, brother," he said, referencing his own role in blocking the inclusion of such provisions.

The exchange highlights the ongoing debate within the Republican Party about the role of earmarks in spending bills. While some lawmakers view earmarks as a way to secure funding for critical projects in their districts, others see them as a symbol of corruption and wasteful spending. Perry’s stance reflects the broader conservative movement’s skepticism of earmarks and its emphasis on reducing government waste.

A Call to Action for Fiscal Reform

Perry’s comments on The Alex Marlow Show were not just a critique of the current system; they were also a call to action. He urged lawmakers to rethink the way they approach budgeting and appropriations, advocating for a return to the regular order process. By doing so, he believes Congress can restore transparency, accountability, and fiscal discipline.

The passage of the CR, while imperfect, represents a small step in that direction. It not only blocked the omnibus bill but also sent a message that business as usual in Washington is no longer acceptable. Perry’s advocacy for fiscal responsibility resonates with many conservatives who are eager to see meaningful reforms in how the government spends taxpayer dollars. As the 2024 budget negotiations approach, Perry and his allies will likely continue to push for a more disciplined and transparent approach to appropriations.

Conclusion: A New Era for Fiscal Responsibility?

Rep. Scott Perry’s appearance on The Alex Marlow Show offered a glimpse into the ongoing battles over federal spending in Washington. The passage of the CR, with its lack of earmarks and focus on fiscal restraint, represents a significant victory for conservatives who are committed to reducing government waste. Perry’s comments also underscored the broader challenges facing Congress, including the broken appropriations process and the ongoing debate over earmarks.

While the CR is only a temporary measure, it reflects a growing movement within the Republican Party to prioritize fiscal responsibility and transparency. As Perry and other conservatives continue to advocate for reforms, the nation may see a shift toward a more accountable and sustainable approach to government spending. For now, the passage of the CR serves as a reminder that even in an era of political gridlock, there are still opportunities to make progress toward a more fiscally responsible future.