“Too much of the government is on autopilot and it’s time we challenge that status quo.” That’s what Cathy McMorris Rodgers said earlier today at a press conference on Capitol Hill.

Eastern Washington’s Congresswoman, who also serves as Chair of the House Republican Conference, went on to say, “One big reason for all of this comes from something known in Washington, D.C. as unauthorized spending, which prevents the American people from exercising their authority to review, to rethink, and perhaps eliminate government programs.”

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McMorris Rodgers introduced H.R. 4730, The Unauthorized Spending Accountability (USA) Act of 2016 to restore the “power of the purse” to the American people, as outlined in Article I of the Constitution.

“Our founding fathers defined a just government as one that derives its power from the consent of the governed,” McMorris Rodgers said. “Today, people fear that they are losing representative government and we’re frustrated because the power to make the best decisions for ourselves, for our families, for our community is being taken away by a government that thinks it knows best. It isn’t being held accountable.”

In a CNN report on what’s known in Washington, D.C. as “unauthorized programs,” Jake Tapper, described these government programs as “Zombies.” McMorris Rodgers released this short, zombie-inspired video last week.

McMorris Rodgers’ legislation is cosponsored by many noteworthy Members of Congress; this is the current list: Reps. Price, Rob Bishop (UT), Brat, Buck, Byrne, Cramer, Davis, Farenthold, Flores, Franks, Hudson, McClintock, Messer, Mullin, Olson, Palmer, Ribble, Wagner, Walker, and Westerman.

Cathy McMorris Rodgers Remarks as Delivered:

“Let me join in thanking the leadership both Representatives Fortenberry and Smith on this horrific genocide that is taking place. This is an important stand we are taking as Americans. I also want to recognize Speaker Ryan and his comments on Article 1. As Americans, we cherish a government that is of the people, by the people, and for the people.

“Our founding fathers defined a just government as one that derives its power from the consent of the governed. Today, people fear that they are losing representative government, and we’re frustrated because the power to make the best decisions for ourselves, for our families, for our community is being taken away by a government that thinks it knows best. It isn’t being held accountable.

“These frustrations are a symptom that ‘we the people’ are losing our voice, our power to ensure that every dollar of taxpayer money is being used wisely, that every decision by federal agencies is subjected to the citizens’ consent and accountability. Too much of the government is on autopilot and it’s time we challenge that status quo.

“One big reason for all of this comes from something known in Washington DC as unauthorized spending, which prevents the American people from exercising their authority to review, to rethink, and perhaps eliminate government programs.

“That’s why I’m pleased to be introducing—this week—the USA Act, which reclaims that power of we the people. It holds federal bureaucrats accountable, who have become disconnected from their mission.

“It’s just one of the many ideas that’s being promoted as we build an agenda in the people’s House. An agenda to restore. A confident America.”