Sixth District Perspective
American families received another reminder of the past years of uncontrolled Washington spending as the United States hit its national debt limit of a staggering $31.4 trillion. As America stands on the brink of default, Congress must ensure that any increase to the debt ceiling is paired with reasonable budgetary reform measures that will address our out-of-control path. It is always good to be back in Virginia’s Sixth District where I had the opportunity to swear in new officers of the Rockbridge County Volunteer Fire-Rescue and EMS Association, speak to the Staunton Kiwanis Club, and tour the Virginia Farm Show at Augusta Expo. Finally, I was pleased to meet with students at Stuarts Draft High School, and present the state champion cheer team with a plaque of my tribute to them on the House floor recognizing their win. As Congress returns to Washington, the new House Republican majority is ready to continue fighting back against the swamp on behalf of the American people.
Getting Our Fiscal House In Order
After years of reckless government spending, the Democrat-led Congress has once again maxed out America’s credit card – forcing Congress to face the reality of a rising national debt and undergo debt ceiling discussions. Unfortunately, the Biden administration and Democrats have demanded a debt ceiling increase without implementing fiscal guardrails. That is neither reasonable nor responsible. Under one-party rule, Democrats had every opportunity to address the debt ceiling and enact bipartisan fiscal reforms. Instead, President Biden and Democrats in Congress went on a $5 trillion deficit spending binge that led to record-high inflation, soaring interest rates, and a staggering $31.4 trillion national debt. Interest payments on our debt are projected to triple over the next 10 years, reaching $1.2 trillion and crowding out investment in other important programs.
Congress’s responsibility to meet our country’s financial obligations goes beyond just raising the debt limit – we must not allow debt to spiral and destroy our children’s future. Rest assured, Republicans are working in good faith to pair a debt ceiling increase with spending reforms that will prevent another debt crisis from impacting the American people. Instead of refusing to negotiate, Democrats need to work with Republicans on ways to reduce the debt and ensure Washington starts living within its means so that future generations of Americans will inherit the same freedoms and opportunities we did. The most significant deficit measures and budget reforms have historically been attached to debt ceiling legislation, and I’m hopeful we can reach a bipartisan agreement like we’ve done in times past.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your Congressman. If my office can ever be of assistance, please contact my Washington office at (202) 225-5431.