On the recordMay 19, 2011
This is true. It is dangerous to our country. We have gone 750 days without passing a budget in the Senate. I do believe if we took a poll of the American people, what percentage would one get if they were asked: Should the Congress of the United States, particularly at a time of great financial danger, have a budget? We will not have a budget unless the Senate acts. It is a question both of philosophy and economics. Philosophically, the American people do not want Washington to hike taxes on millions of Americans in order to fund its wasteful spending spree. Economically, the evidence shows cutting spending--not raising taxes--and we have done a number of studies on this--is the approach that consistently produces the best results time and time again. We need a budget based on facts. We need a budget to grow the economy, not the government. We need a budget that imposes real spending discipline on Washington. We need a budget without gimmicks or empty promises. We need a budget that is produced publicly and openly, allowing the American people full opportunity to see what is in it and to consider it. We need a budget that the American people deserve, an honest budget that spares our children from both the growing burden of debt and the growing burden of big government. We need a budget that ensures America will compete, creating jobs, lead, and thrive in the 21st century.
