Foster To Lead Budget Deficit Working Group To Promote Deficit And Debt Reduction

Statement

Today, Rep. Bill Foster (IL-14) announced that he and Rep. Bob Etheridge (NC-2) will co-chair the newly formed Budget Discipline Working Group, which will promote fiscally responsible policies that target Federal spending and the reduction of the deficit and national debt. The Budget Discipline Working Group was created within the New Democrat Coalition.

"The New Democrat Coalition is a group of moderate, pro-business Democrats, many of whom have started or participated in a business before their elections to Congress," said Foster. "We understand that we are not going to have a healthy business climate until we get our fiscal house in order."

For nearly a decade, our nation saw excessive spending almost double our nation's debt from $5.7 trillion to $10.6 trillion in 2009. The New Dem Budget Discipline Working Group is tasked with identifying solutions to shrink the debt and balance the federal government's checkbook. Building on the New Dems long-standing support for "pay-as-you-go" policies, the Working Group will develop creative solutions to reduce the deficit and national debt while also identifying opportunities to streamline existing Federal programs to ensure taxpayer dollars are being invested wisely and effectively.

"Since my election to Congress, I have been concerned about the deficit and our national debt, and I am pleased to have the opportunity to lead the Budget Discipline Working Group," said Foster. "It is my hope that our group will put pressure on House leadership to pursue fiscally responsible policies that reign in federal spending and pay down our national debt."

The New Democrat Coalition is a Coalition of 67 members of the U.S. House of Representatives who are dedicated to the prosperity and security of American families and business. Founded in 1997, the NDC provides Members of Congress with the opportunity to advance a common sense policy agenda focused on empowering the U.S. to grow economically and maintain a vibrant job market, preserving the U.S. standing as the world's leader in innovation and technological advancement, and strengthening our economic and national security. For more information, visit the New Dems website at http://ndc.crowley.house.gov.

Source