Fiscal Responsibility
After balancing a budget as a mother, small business owner, and governor, Senator Shaheen understands that every dollar we spend must deliver results. She is committed to fiscal responsibility and knows that public officials have a fundamental duty to make sure taxpayer money is used effectively and that each dollar can be accounted for.
We can only address our record deficit by making reforms to every area of the federal budget: domestic spending, defense spending, mandatory spending, and revenues. Senator Shaheen is working to protect taxpayer dollars by opposing wasteful spending and by working to improve programs that need fixing. At the same time, she is striving to change the way Washington does business.
Fighting Wasteful Spending
Opposing Bank Bailouts
Senator Shaheen voted against the emergency economic assistance program known as TARP – the Troubled Asset Relief Program – because she didn’t believe that it included enough protections for taxpayers. In the following months, news reports of executive bonuses and lavish spending reinforced those concerns.
Ending Double Subsidies for Gold and Silver Mining
Senator Shaheen has introduced legislation that would end special tax breaks for companies that are already mining public lands for free. While these extra incentives may have made sense 150 years ago when the government was trying to lure companies to America’s untamed West, they have no place in a modern economy with soaring metal prices.
Stopping Sugar’s Sweet Deal
The government’s sugar program keeps U.S. sugar prices artificially high. This forces consumers and food producers to subsidize sugar growers at a cost of $4 billion every year. Senator Shaheen has introduced bipartisan legislation to protect consumers and American jobs by phasing out this antiquated program.
Eliminating the Joint Strike Fighter’s Extra Engine
Senator Shaheen co-sponsored an amendment to strike funding for an extra engine in the Joint Strike Fighter jet program. Though the Department of Defense under both the Bush and Obama Administrations opposed this wasteful and unnecessary project, it was continued by Congress for years. The Department of Defense believes that the additional engine would require another $2.9 billion in funds to complete development and begin production.
Abolishing Excessive Giveaways for Ethanol
Senator Shaheen is a cosponsor of legislation written by Senator Tom Coburn (R-OK) which ends the wasteful and expensive subsidy that pays oil companies to blend ethanol into their gasoline. According to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, this giveaway drives up food prices nationwide, encourages the development of preserved land, and is an extremely inefficient way to reduce carbon pollution.
Improving Current Programs
Making TARP More Accountable to Taxpayers
After opposing the bank bailout program known as TARP because it lacked taxpayer protections, Senator Shaheen worked to make the program more accountable. She was an original co-sponsor of a new law that provides the Special Inspector General for TARP with greater law enforcement authority to investigate cases of fraud and abuse in the TARP program. The Special Inspector General ensures greater transparency, enhanced oversight, and robust enforcement of taxpayer dollars expended through the TARP program.
Combating Waste and Fraud in Medicare
Senators Shaheen and Collins (R-ME) introduced the Medicare Transitional Care Act to reduce costly hospital readmissions by as much as $5,000 per Medicare patient. Provisions of the proposal were signed into law as a Medicare pilot program. The program will help ensure that appropriate follow-up care is provided for seniors who are discharged from a hospital and would prevent unnecessary and costly re-hospitalization.
Shaheen also supported the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, which enhanced the Health Care Fraud and Abuse Control fund. This comprehensive program will combat fraud committed against all health plans, both public and private. The Office of Management and Budget estimates that for every $1 invested to fight fraud, there are approximately $17 in savings.
Prosecuting Fraud against Homeowners
Protecting taxpayer money from fraud and waste, and punishing those who created our economic crisis, are key components to economic recovery. That’s why Senator Shaheen sponsored and passed legislation to crack down on fraudulent mortgage lenders. She authored an amendment that strengthened the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Inspector General to investigate and remove fraudulent mortgage lenders from federal housing programs.
Consolidating Duplicative Spending and Overlapping Programs
Senator Shaheen voted to implement the results of a major report from the Government Accountability Office, which would save taxpayers at least $5 billion. This report detailed billions in potentially duplicative spending across the entire federal government. For example, the report identified 80 separate federal programs to assist the “transportation disadvantaged” and 82 programs to promote financial literacy. While these are both important objectives, she believes we should analyze whether they can be met with a more efficient, streamlined approach.
Cracking Down on Offshore Tax Cheats
Offshore tax abuses cost the U.S. Treasury an estimated $100 billion each year in lost tax revenues. Senator Shaheen cosponsored a bill that would crack down on offshore tax havens and abusive tax shelters that corporations use to avoid paying their fair share of taxes. She also supported a new law that eliminates more than $12 billion in corporate tax loopholes. For example, one of these loopholes allowed multinational corporations to claim certain tax credits without reporting the income that led to those credits in the first place.
Changing the Way Washington Does Business
Fixing the Budget Process with Biennial Budgeting
Congress needs to change the way it does business so that we can make the tough decisions that will be required to balance the federal budget. Senator Shaheen joined Senator Johnny Isakson (R-GA) in proposing bipartisan legislation to convert the dysfunctional annual budget process to a more thoughtful, two-year process that would allow Congress to conduct greater oversight. The Biennial Budgeting and Appropriations Act would also make federal agencies more efficient by allowing them to devote less time to the budget process and more time to achieving their missions. Senator Shaheen has seen the benefits of biennial budgeting firsthand, producing a balanced budget in each of her three terms as Governor. Senator Shaheen saw this work well in New Hampshire and she would like to bring this to Washington.
Supporting Pay-as-you-go Budgeting
Senator Shaheen helped champion legislation that enacted strong pay-as-you-go-rules into law. This law requires Congress to offset any new mandatory federal spending by finding a way to pay for it. A similar rule played a significant role in fighting deficits during the 1990s, but was repealed in 2002. While a comprehensive plan is needed to address our mounting national debt, this rule is an important step in the right direction.
Ending “Secret Holds”
For decades any single Senator had the power to anonymously slow the chamber’s business to a crawl by placing a “secret hold” on legislation, effectively taking the chamber hostage to get what they wanted. Senators were allowed to do this without revealing their identity or needing to explain their reasons to the public. On January 27, 2011, Senator Shaheen voted for a successful reform to end this dishonest tactic and require public disclosure of all “holds.”
Latest
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September 25, 2019
On Senate Floor, Shaheen Urges Support for Bipartisan Resolution Terminating President’s “Emergency” Declaration That Diverts Resources From the Troops, Their Families and Military Projects to Fund Campaign Promise
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September 17, 2019
Shaheen, Hassan Introduce Legislation to Stop Use of Taxpayer Dollars at Trump Properties
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April 04, 2017
As Tax Day Approaches, Shaheen Introduces Bill to Simplify Federal Tax Return Process
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February 06, 2017
Shaheen Reintroduces Bill to Shake Up Washington Budget Process
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February 11, 2015
SHAHEEN, KIRK, LANKFORD, KING INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN ‘DRIVE LESS’ ACT TO SAVE TAXPAYERS $500 MILLION
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January 29, 2015
SHAHEEN REINTRODUCES BILL TO LIMIT FEDERAL SPENDING ON OFFICIAL PORTRAITS
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April 08, 2014
SHAHEEN: CONGRESS SHOULD ACT ON GAO REPORT, IMPLEMENT TARGETED BUDGET CUTS
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April 02, 2014
SHAHEEN, COBURN INTRODUCE LEGISLATION TO SAVE $1 BILLION BY CAPPING WASTEFUL CROP INSURANCE SUBSIDIES
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March 27, 2014
SHAHEEN: DHS PORTRAIT UNVEILING HIGHLIGHTS GOVERNMENT WASTE
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July 23, 2013
SHAHEEN, MCCAIN CONTINUE CALL TO END WASTEFUL, DUPLICATIVE CATFISH INSPECTION PROGRAM
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May 30, 2013
SHAHEEN CALLS ON WHITE HOUSE TO INCREASE TRANSPARENCY, REDUCE WASTEFUL SPENDING BY REFORMING CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM
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May 29, 2013
SHAHEEN, KUSTER LEAD BIPARTISAN, BICAMERAL COALITION URGING FDA TO HOLD PUBLIC HEARING ON UPCOMING RULE CHANGES
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May 21, 2013
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: U.S. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ENDORSES SHAHEEN-KIRK-TOOMEY SUGAR REFORM EFFORTS
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May 21, 2013
SHAHEEN, MCCAIN TO INTRODUCE AMENDMENT TO REPEAL DUPLICATIVE CATFISH INSPECTION PROGRAM
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May 20, 2013
BIPARTISAN COALITION TO INTRODUCE SUGAR REFORM AMENDMENT TO SENATE FARM BILL
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February 12, 2013
SHAHEEN: CONGRESS MUST COMPROMISE TO AVOID AUTOMATIC CUTS
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February 06, 2013
SHAHEEN: PERMANENT IG’S NECESSARY TO PROTECT TAXPAYER DOLLARS
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December 17, 2012
SHAHEEN TOURS POLARTEC IN HUDSON TO STRESS ECONOMIC IMPERATIVE OF RESOLVING BUDGET NEGOTIATIONS
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December 12, 2012
SENATOR SHAHEEN NAMED TO SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE
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December 10, 2012
SHAHEEN: TIME IS NOW TO COME TOGETHER FOR LONG-TERM, BIPARTISAN DEAL TO ADDRESS DEBT AND DEFICIT
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November 27, 2012
SHAHEEN: THERE MUST BE WILLINGNESS TO COME TO TABLE FOR COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
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June 20, 2012
SENS. TOOMEY, SHAHEEN, LUGAR DISAPPOINTED IN DEFEAT OF BIPARTISAN SUGAR REFORM AMENDMENT
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June 19, 2012
BIPARTISAN SUGAR REFORM AMENDMENT TO FARM BILL WOULD PROTECT BUSINESSES AND CONSUMERS
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May 24, 2012
SHAHEEN: IMPLEMENT A STRONG VOLCKER RULE TO PROTECT TAXPAYERS AND INVESTORS
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April 16, 2012
15 TAX FACTS IN 15 DAYS: SHAHEEN CONCLUDES ONLINE SERIES ABOUT IMPORTANCE OF TAX REFORM
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April 02, 2012
15 TAX FACTS IN 15 DAYS: SHAHEEN DEBUTS ONLINE SERIES ABOUT IMPORTANCE OF TAX REFORM
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February 28, 2012
SHAHEEN: WE CAN DO MORE TO CUT DUPLICATIVE PROGRAMS
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February 14, 2012
SHAHEEN DISCUSSES IMPORTANCE OF PASSING BIPARTISAN SUGAR ACT
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January 26, 2012
SHAHEEN: CAMPAIGN FINANCE REFORM NEEDED
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January 26, 2012
SHAHEEN: CAMPAIGN FINANCE REFORM NEEDED
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January 26, 2012
SHAHEEN: CAMPAIGN FINANCE REFORM NEEDED
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December 12, 2011
SHAHEEN PUSHES FOR BETTER OVERSIGHT OF U.S. TAXPAYER DOLLARS IN AFGHANISTAN
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October 19, 2011
THE U.S. SUGAR PROGRAM: A TRICK ON CONSUMERS AND A TREAT FOR THE SUGAR INDUSTRY
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October 18, 2011
ISAKSON AND SHAHEEN: CONGRESS SHOULD MAKE SWITCH TO BIENNIAL BUDGETING
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October 05, 2011
SHAHEEN: ARMY CORPS CONTRACTING CASE PROVES NEED FOR OVERSIGHT
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October 04, 2011
CHAIRMAN, RANKING MEMBER OF BUDGET COMMITTEE INDICATE SUPPORT FOR BIENNIAL BUDGETING
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September 27, 2011
SHAHEEN AND ISAKSON TO SUPERCOMMITTEE: BIENNIAL BUDGETING WOULD REDUCE SPENDING, INCREASE OVERSIGHT
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July 14, 2011
SHAHEEN: FAILURE TO PAY OUR BILLS COULD CAUSE ECONOMIC CATASTROPHE
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June 30, 2011
SHAHEEN: TAX BREAKS FOR YACHTS AND RACE HORSES DON'T MAKE SENSE
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June 30, 2011
SHAHEEN: TAX BREAKS FOR YACHTS AND RACE HORSES DON'T MAKE SENSE
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June 22, 2011
SENATORS COBURN AND SHAHEEN INTRODUCE BILL TO REDUCE FEDERAL VEHICLE FLEET
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June 22, 2011
SHAHEEN: OUTDATED SUGAR POLICY HURTS U.S. CONSUMERS
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June 17, 2011
SHAHEEN MEASURES ON JOBS, SHIPYARD, NATIONAL GUARD, AND THE ELIMINATION OF WASTEFUL PROGRAMS INCLUDED IN NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION BILL
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June 16, 2011
SHAHEEN-SUPPORTED REPEAL OF ETHANOL SUBSIDY PASSES SENATE
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June 08, 2011
AT NOMINATION HEARING, SHAHEEN CALLS FOR INCREASED OVERSIGHT OVER ASSISTANCE IN AFGHANISTAN
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May 26, 2011
SHAHEEN APPLAUDS FEDERAL AGENCY PLANS TO ELIMINATE UNNECESSARY BUSINESS REGULATIONS
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May 16, 2011
SHAHEEN: END OIL SUBSIDIES TO REDUCE OUR DEFICIT
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April 18, 2011
SHAHEEN URGES DEFENSE DEPARTMENT TO STOP SPENDING MONEY TO DEVELOP A SYSTEM IT HAS NO PLANS TO BUY
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April 15, 2011
SHAHEEN: HOUSE BUDGET NOT RESPONSIBLE
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April 14, 2011
SHAHEEN TO SUPPORT FY11 BUDGET COMPROMISE
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April 13, 2011
SHAHEEN: BIG BANKS MUST TREAT HOMEOWNERS FAIRLY
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April 06, 2011
SHAHEEN SUPPORTS DEFICIT REDUCTION MEASURES
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March 18, 2011
SHAHEEN, BIPARTISAN GROUP OF SENATORS CALL FOR PRESIDENT TO SUPPORT COMPREHENSIVE DEFICIT REDUCTION
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March 15, 2011
SHAHEEN WORKS TO CURB ABUSE OF AFGHANISTAN ASSISTANCE FUNDS
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March 01, 2011
SHAHEEN: DUPLICATIVE PROGRAMS ARE SMART CUTS
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February 15, 2011
Shaheen: Sugar bill is sweet
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September 16, 2010
Obama nominates Sen. Jeanne Shaheen to U.N. Assembly
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May 14, 2010
Sen. Shaheen says Federal Reserve needs to be audited
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May 11, 2010
SHAHEEN: TAXPAYERS DESERVE A FULL ACCOUNTING OF FEDERAL RESERVE EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE TO FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS
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May 09, 2010
Wall Street reform is critical to Main Street
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May 05, 2010
SHAHEEN: NO TAXPAYER FUNDS SHOULD BE USED TO BAIL OUT WALL STREET
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May 01, 2010
Shaheen sells financial reform
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April 30, 2010
SHAHEEN: AMERICAN TAXPAYERS SHOULD NEVER AGAIN HAVE TO BAILOUT WALL STREET
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April 29, 2010
SHAHEEN: WE MUST MAKE ELECTIONS MORE TRANSPARENT, PROHIBIT EXCESSIVE CORPORATE CAMPAIGN SPENDING
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March 10, 2010
SHAHEEN, MERKLEY, LEVIN, KAUFMAN, BROWN INTRODUCE LEGISLATION TO RESTRICT BANKS AND THE LARGEST FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS FROM MAKING HIGH-RISK BETS
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March 10, 2010
Senators Unveil Bill to Ban Banks' High-Risk Trades
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January 28, 2010
NH Democrats applaud refocusing
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January 28, 2010
4 in NH praise message from president
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January 23, 2010
Shaheen says her focus is on economy
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April 08, 2009
Shaheen tells bankers, brokers to keep pushing
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April 02, 2009
Senate Passes Shaheen Fraudulent Lending Amendment to Budget Resolution
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February 23, 2009
Shaheen talks business in Port City