U.S. Rep. Dan Webster returns $360,000 from office budget to government coffers

Webster said he cut back on unnecessary expenses

TAVARES — U.S. Rep. Dan Webster, R-Winter Garden, returned to government coffers $360,000 unspent from his $1.37 million congressional office budget last year by cutting down on what he called “wasteful” expenses.

Webster said Tuesday he saved money by canceling an unnecessary monthly computer-repair service, reducing Internet advertising and eliminating slick mailers to constituents.

“It’s not fraudulent spending, it’s just wasteful,” Webster said. But, he added, “If every member of Congress did this, we’re talking about billions.”

He unveiled a giant check made out to “Hardworking United States Taxpayers” outside the Lake County Administration Building.

“This is an opportunity to do something I didn’t have to ask the House, the Senate or the president to approve,” he said to a group of about 10 people.

Webster said he saved almost $500,000 last year by practicing cautious spending.

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