On the recordApril 8, 2014
I thank Chairman Ryan of the Budget Committee for the hard work that he has been doing over the last several years as we look to get a handle on the spending problem we have here in Washington, D.C. Mr. Chairman, our debt is out of control. In the past 10 years, it has more than doubled, from $7.1 trillion to $17.6 trillion today. We paid almost $416 billion in interest just last year. Imagine where that money could have been better spent. The failure to address the debt and deficits reduces opportunity and prosperity for future generations. It directly threatens our ability to pay for our priorities like Social Security, Medicare, a strong national defense, and taking care of our veterans. Unfortunately, President Obama has offered another budget that increases taxes, that expands the government, that does nothing to save Medicare or Social Security, and that never balances. Harry Reid's Senate will not even consider a budget this year. The budget we offer to the American people protects and preserves Medicare and Social Security, and it balances in 10 years. When Congress responsibly budgets, we increase economic security for our families and ensure that we leave our children and grandchildren with more opportunities and a brighter future. Mr. Chairman, I call on my colleagues to do the right thing by workers, families, and future generations. Pass this budget.
