Mike Pence: “in the aftermath of the worst natural disaster in American history, Congress responded with generosity and more than $60…”

“in the aftermath of the worst natural disaster in American history, Congress responded with generosity and more than $60 billion in 6 days. But this week, thanks to the leadership of President George W. Bush and Speaker Dennis Hastert, Congress is going to figure out how to pay for it. In the Deficit Reduction Act, this Congress will achieve more than $50 billion in savings in the next 5 year to offset the extraordinary cost of Hurricane Katrina. But there is still work to be done. This legislation is an important first step toward restoring fiscal discipline, but it is just that: it is a first step. With an $8 trillion national debt and with more spending on Hurricane Katrina awaiting around the corner, it is imperative that we pass the Deficit Reduction Act, move on to an across-the-board cut in this year's budget, and reopen the highway bill and rescind earmarks that are anathema to the American people. It is written that if the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle? The Deficit Reduction Act is a clear call to begin the process of putting our fiscal house in order, and I urge all of my colleagues, Republican and Democrat, to support it. ____________________”