On the recordMarch 21, 2013
Mr. President, I wish to speak on what almost qualifies as a historic event: For the first time in 4 years, the Senate will try to complete a budget resolution. Since 2009--the last year the Senate passed a budget--the government has run deficits in excess of $1 trillion every year. The Democrats' budget resolution that we are currently debating will, in fact, only reduce net deficits by $279 billion. I have spoken on the Senate floor and around the country for the past 2 years in favor of a budget that will end excessive spending, provide a platform for tax reform, and rid ourselves of oppressive debt and deficits. But I am afraid that even after the Senate has completed its work, I will still be advocating for those changes. Senate Democrats have not used their proposed budget resolution to make government better. Their proposal does little in the way of reform, and actually grows the government instead of the economy. It is discouraging to anyone concerned about excessive government debt, and it is discouraging to the job seekers who are, unfortunately, so abundant right now. What the Democrats have proposed is not a budget at all. It is merely a spending plan to further stunt economic growth and job creation, while condoning increasing the deficit and growing the government. I believe the American people expect a budget that provides a platform for our economy to grow.…





