Political Quotes

“Mr. President, earlier this week, the Senate debated a disaster relief funding bill that would have provided $13\1/2\ billion in assistance to States and territories that have been touched by recent hurricanes, wildfires, and other natural disasters. I share my colleagues' commitment to provide necessary assistance to get affected Americans back on their feet. As chairman of the Budget Committee, I believe we should always consider the budgetary effects of any legislation pending before this body. Supplemental appropriations bills highlight a real challenge in controlling Federal spending. How should we budget for inevitable natural disasters and emergencies? Answering this question is important because the Federal Government continues to spend more money than it takes in and will soon confront annual deficits exceeding $1 trillion a year. These surging deficits add to our rising debt, which stands today at $22 trillion, or more than $65,000 per person. That is regardless of age--the baby who was born this morning owes $65,000. By 2029, if nothing is done, the national debt will grow to more than $33 trillion, or more than $94,000 per person. Adding urgency to this situation is the surge in autopilot spending, which now represents more than two-thirds of what the Federal Government spends each year. Two-thirds of what we spend is not actually voted on; it happens automatically. As our population ages, rising healthcare and interest costs will compound our fiscal problems.…”