Lynn Schenk: “I understand the concern about increasing our deficit. I understand the importance of cutting spending. I was one of a…”

“I understand the concern about increasing our deficit. I understand the importance of cutting spending. I was one of a handful of Members who voted for the budget only if more spending cuts were forthcoming before the end of the first session. I helped draft and voted for the Penny-Kasich spending cuts amendment which was narrowly defeated last year. And I stood right here and urged my colleagues to do the same. But there is a right way and a wrong way to debate our Government's spending priorities and I do not believe that this is the time to debate controversial spending cuts. When we drafted Penny-Kasich we spent weeks crafting a thoughtful package of cuts. Emergencies by their very nature preclude this same kind of thoughtfulness. The people of Los Angeles County need this money for immediate emergency assistance and to repair roads, sewers, and communication networks. We are certainly not talking about trying to make people whole for the personal and financial losses they have suffered. Like many of my colleagues, I too am concerned about the way our country deals with emergencies. I do not believe deficit spending is the best solution but this is not the time to argue about the best way to deal with natural disasters. This is a time for Members of Congress to put aside partisan differences and to come together to help the people of California.”