On the recordJune 2, 2011
The United States is the greatest Nation ever in the history of mankind--a Nation that many countries look to as a leader, a leader in strength, in security, in success. But, Mr. Speaker, we cannot lead from behind. We are behind on repaying our debts in a major way, all the while creating even more debt. Rather than focusing on raising the debt ceiling, Mr. Speaker, we should be putting all of our energy into reducing the debt. These overdue bills are bad for job creation and bad for our economy. As Admiral Mullen recently said: Our debt is the most dangerous threat to our national security. I could not agree more. If Congress continues to spend money as it has in the past, we will only become more reliant upon foreign countries to buy up our debt, making our economy secondary to theirs. It is dangerous. It is irresponsible. It is unforgivable. Mr. Speaker, this administration has taken our already weakened economy and turned it completely upside down, while allowing for the largest budget deficit in the history of the United States. The great cost of the stimulus bill, multiple government bailouts, and ObamaCare have pushed our country over the edge. I beg of my colleagues to not let this great Nation hit rock bottom before we make tackling the debt our first and foremost priority. Jobs, our economy, and our future depend upon it. ____________________
