Dean Heller

Last week, Congressman Heller introduced legislation in Congress to bring fiscal responsibility to the halls of Congress, quite literally. Dean called for Congress to slash its own budget next year by $51 million, eliminating a proposed 8% increase in spending by Congress.

Watch Dean's speech calling for Congress to cut its own budget.

The Nevada Appeal reported on Dean's efforts:

He said his proposed amendment would eliminate the 8 percent increase in the Representational Allowances -- office budgets -- of all members of Congress currently in the proposed Legislative Branch Appropriations Act for 2010.

Heller said that would save $51 million in taxpayer money.

"It is time for Congress to lead by example and make government live within its means," said Heller.

He said while thousands of Americans are losing their jobs, homes are going into foreclosure, and small businesses are struggling, Congress continues to increase spending.

"The reckless spending needs to end and it needs to start with us," he said.

Unfortunately, House Democrats blocked Dean's efforts to cut Congress's own spending.