Lummis Statement On Obama's State Of The Union Address

Statement

U.S. Representative Cynthia Lummis, R-Wyo., issued this statement following President Barack Obama's State of the Union address:

"Tonight, the President called for a government spending freeze. I welcome his call for a renewed focus on reversing his administration's record of fiscal irresponsibility. It is my hope that the President's words were not merely lip service to the millions of Americans calling on their government to stop wasting their hard earned tax dollars in the middle of the worst recession in 75 years.

"While a spending freeze is a step in the right direction, Congress and the administration must do more. This year's budget deficit will reach an unsustainable $1.35 trillion -- second only to last year's $1.4 trillion record deficit. We must change course and tighten the belt on spending by passing strict budget caps that limit federal spending every year -- not just for the next three years.

"In the coming days, I will be sending a letter to the President demanding that he keep his promise to the American people in regards to spending. I will urge him to use the power of the veto on any legislation which increases non-defense spending.

"The past year has been one fraught with hardship for the American people. The unemployment rate in Wyoming has skyrocketed to more than 7 percent and folks are finding it more difficult to provide for their families. People are looking to Washington for policies that will help create jobs, not burden them with more regulations, taxes and spiraling debts.

"As Wyoming's representative, I will work with the President in reassuring the American public that its government is serious about getting our fiscal house in order and securing the hope of opportunity and prosperity for today's generation and those to come."

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