Erik Paulsen: “Well, Mr. Speaker, one of the most fundamental responsibilities of Congress is that of crafting and passing a Federal…”

“Well, Mr. Speaker, one of the most fundamental responsibilities of Congress is that of crafting and passing a Federal budget. This is not a responsibility that should be taken lightly, nor should it be cast aside when the job seems to be too difficult. Unfortunately, that is exactly what is happening right now with the House majority's failing to pass a budget for the first time since modern budget rules were established in 1974. While there is no question that the budgetary challenges we face today as a country are very dire, the most dire we have seen in decades, this does not mean Congress should shirk its responsibilities in crafting a responsible budget. If anything, this year's budget should be viewed as an opportunity to bring long-term, overdue fiscal reform and discipline to Washington. Mr. Speaker, it is absolutely time to address the reckless Washington spending, the trillion dollar deficits, the national debt that is over $12 trillion now, for the sake of our children and our grandchildren.”