The Deficit Reduction Act: A New Day in Responsible Government

The Deficit Reduction Act: A New Day in Responsible Government
By U.S. Representative John R. Carter

November 30, 2005

This past month, 25 years ago, marked the beginning of the Reagan Era. His dedication to conservative principles, namely a belief in government restraint, was a harbinger of political change in a time of big government. As Reagan aptly said in his first inaugural address, "government is not the solution to our problem; government is the problem." Recently, these values were echoed in the halls of Congress as fiscal conservatives worked to create greater accountability in the federal budget process.

I am pleased to have worked with my colleagues in Congress towards passage of the Deficit Reduction Act. For too long, the Republican Party has endured attacks on its commitment to reducing deficits and balancing the federal budget. "Has the Republican Party lost its identity?" critics asked. Undoubtedly, the War on Terror mixed with an economic downturn contributed to increases in the deficit, but as of November 18th, conservatives with a renewed sense of purpose began the march to responsibility.

Spending taxpayer money is a tide, once begun, that hits with almost unstoppable force. Every project and program funded by the federal government helps someone, somewhere. So how do we restore fiscal responsibility to our nation's budget process? How do we restore the principle that a government that governs least, governs best? The solution is making reforms to federal programs, thereby increasing efficiency and eliminating waste. The $50 billion saved by this plan is a down payment on America's future, and a wise plan to keep our government on sound fiscal footing.

The Deficit Reduction Act reforms key government programs and achieves savings. Those unwilling to exercise self-control with your money have accused our efforts as "taking food from the mouths of children" and "destroying our nation's future". In reality, this bill doesn't even cut spending but rather reduces the current rate. Spending will continue to grow, just not at the rampant pace of the bureaucratic status quo.

The Deficit Reduction Act includes reform provisions that will: save and strengthen Medicaid; lower prescription drug costs; strengthen and simplify student loan programs; protect workers' pensions; and increase heating assistance for low-income Americans, to name a few. The idea is that Congress, by reducing waste, fraud and abuse, can assist Americans while reducing deficit spending. It's not a game of either/or.

For many disadvantaged Americans, the government has extended the arm of assistance. These commitments will be kept. Spending for vital services will not be cut, rather reformed for purposes of efficiency. As responsible citizens, we have an obligation to care about the future of our nation and the world we leave to our children. The Deficit Reduction Act is a step in the right direction.

http://www.house.gov/apps/list/speech/tx31_carter/Nov30_deficit.html