Your Legislators: Congressman Garrett Votes to Cut $100B in 'Wasteful' Federal Spending

Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) with Republican Congressman Scott Garrett (R-5th) and his vote to sever sections of the federal budget, some of which the longtime Democrat say will hit congested jersey where it hurts–its clogged highway arteries.

Garrett, long known as a "fiscal conservative" prone to pop off weighty speeches panning the size of government, was one of 235 Republican Congressmen that cut $100 billion from the federal budget. Nearly $50 million of those cuts were once allocated to transportation and infrastructure projects in Bergen County, such as signaling improvement systems on Rt. 17, which Lautenberg said would help North Jersey "avoid complete gridlock."

The cut is the single largest discretionary fund cut in the nation's history, one that spanned 67 passed amendments, over 60 hours of public comment and predictably skated through the thin ice of partisanship–not a single Democrat voted for H.R. 1 The Full Year Continuing Appropriations Act of 2011, known colloquially as "The Continuing Resolution."

Garrett, not normally shy about publicizing his big-government slashing, has been oddly quiet about his vote though he did issue a press release the day following the vote. In the release, the congressman from Wantage said in tough times, tough choices must be made. He questioned the mettle of opposing Democrats.

"Unlike President Obama, Republicans are not afraid to make the tough choices the American people are demanding. Where the president has failed to show leadership, Republicans stand ready to step into the breach and lead the United States back towards an era of economic prosperity."

The bill, which continues to fund government on a temporary basis until a deal can be brokered with the Dem-controlled Senate and White House, now heads to the Senate for a vote.

Senate Democrats have reportedly expressed opposition to many of the amendments inserted into the bill by House Republicans, including measures banning federal agencies from spending money to implement health care reform. Garrett has been among the most outspoken critics of what's been coined "Obama-Care".

If the Continued Resolution is not enacted by March 4, Congress must pass another short-term funding resolution or government could be shut down, Republicans say.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid told reporters this week that Democrats in the Senate are not in favor of the many legislative amendments Republicans threw into the bill though he expressed interest in ensuring federal government remains funded through the remainder of 2011.

Meanwhile, Garrett has been busy the past week visiting small businesses in New Jersey, speaking to them of the challenges they face in a troubled economy. Garrett also took time out of his busy schedule to congratulate Governor Chris Christie for crafting what he called an appropriately "balanced" budget.

"Governor Christie’s spending cuts will prove that New Jersey is serious about getting its fiscal house in order, which will go a long way in creating the certainty necessary for businesses to expand," he said.

"Like Governor Christie, I, too, am determined to reduce spending and cut taxes, and I believe the Governor is on the right path.”