Rooney Says Yes to Balanced Budget
Announces Support for Revised Budget Control Act
Washington, D.C. –U.S. Rep. Tom Rooney (FL-16) today issued the following statement in support of the revised Budget Control Act:
“I’ve said for months that this debt limit debate is an opportunity to do something big to address our long-term debt. I was undecided on the original version of this bill, because I hoped something better would come along. Today, something better emerged.
“This bill prevents a default, cuts and caps spending, and requires Congress to pass a balanced budget amendment.
“Attaching a balanced budget amendment sends a message to the American people that we’re listening to them, and we’re serious about tackling Washington’s debt problem. A balanced budget amendment is the type of meaningful reform we need to prevent another debt ceiling crisis like we face today.
“The House has put forward two bills that would prevent a default, reduce spending, and force Washington to balance the budget and live within its means. Unfortunately, the Senate still has not acted, and the President has yet to produce a plan of his own. It’s time for the President and Senate Democrats to stop finger-pointing and act. The onus is on the President and Democrats in the Senate to explain why they oppose balancing the budget.
“I hope President Obama and the Senate will join us in passing legislation that will truly change the way Washington does business, and put us on a path to fiscal prosperity and responsibility.”
The revised Budget Control Act would:
- Prevent a potential default while cutting and capping spending by $917 billion over 10 years;
- Require Congress to pass legislation to reduce spending by at least an additional $1.8 trillion before granting the President’s request for a larger increase in the debt ceiling;
- Require the House and Senate to pass a balanced budget amendment and send it the states before increasing the debt ceiling again; and,
- Reject the President’s call for job-destroying tax hikes.
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