Kevin Brady: “Good afternoon. The biggest challenge facing America today is a Federal Government that simply won't live within its…”

“Good afternoon. The biggest challenge facing America today is a Federal Government that simply won't live within its means. Now, spending cuts can get us back halfway to a balanced budget. But if we want to finish the job, we need to grow our economy so we can not only balance this budget, but begin paying down this dangerous $17 trillion national debt. Under the Full Employment and Balanced Growth Act of 1978, the Joint Economic Committee, which I chair, provides analysis and recommendations about the goals and policies set forth in the Economic Report of the President to assist the House of Representatives in its consideration of this budget resolution. During the next few moments, the members of the Joint Economic Committee will answer three questions: Why has the Obama recovery been so weak and disappointing, when compared with past recoveries? How would a gradual reduction of Federal spending relative to the size of our economy, as envisioned in the budget resolution, help hardworking Americans by accelerating economic growth, accelerating job creation, and increasing real wages? And finally, how would the reforms envisioned in the Republican budget help Congress to make better tax and spending decisions in the future? To call the current recovery a disappointment to the American people, well, it is an understatement.…”