Joe Pitts: “an economist once said that it is easy to spend money that you do not earn or for which you do not have to take…”

“an economist once said that it is easy to spend money that you do not earn or for which you do not have to take responsibility. That seems to sum up the way we operate around here lately. Last week, my friend, the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Kingston), took a step to change that. After looking at requests, asking for as high as 30 percent increases from legislative agencies, requested from his subcommittee, he canceled hearings on their requests until they came to their senses. While the other agencies were facing cutbacks, the legislative branch thought it was Christmas morning. If we are serious about being fiscally responsible, we need to start right here in this branch of government. If we cannot keep ourselves in check, how do we expect other agencies to do so? Fiscal responsibility should start right here. Either we have the courage to cut back or freeze here, or we will not have the courage to cut back or freeze at all. While we all have a long way to go, the gentleman from Georgia's actions are a step in the right direction. We need to stop robbing from our children to pay for our addiction in spending.”