WASHINGTON – Today, the Committee on House Administration ordered favorably H. Res. 202 which, if passed by the full House, will provide an estimated 2.4% across-the-board increase in House committee budgets. The Committee’s action on this resolution came after Wednesday’s committee funding hearing where Chairs and Ranking Members of House committees discussed the requests and allocations of their budgets for the 110th Congress. During the hearings, the Committee on House Administration’s Ranking Member, Vern Ehlers, R-Mich., voiced his support for the continuation of an equitable division of funds between majority and minority committee offices.

“When we previously served in the minority, we were not provided with sufficient funds or staff.  When we assumed the majority in 1995, we committed to giving the minority 1/3 of the resources and staff allocation for committees to ensure that they were capable of fulfilling their responsibilities.  That 2/3 – 1/3 allocation was a commitment that we honored while in the majority, and I hope and expect the new majority to continue to honor it,” Ehlers stated.

Testimony provided by nearly 40 Members from various House committees indicated strong support for the continuation of equitable division of funds, and willingness to adhere to the minimum standards that have been in place since the Republicans took control of the House in 1995.  The resolution was passed by a voice vote, and is expected to receive consideration by the entire House as early as next week.

For more information, contact the Republican Committee press office at (202) 225-8281.