A First Step in a Very Long Journey

Statement

Congressman James Lankford (R-OK) maintained his focus on real solutions for our nation's fiscal woes through his support of the Budget Control Act of 2011 today in the House of Representatives. This bill will enact immediate spending cuts, place strong caps on future spending and advance the cause of a balanced budget amendment. A summary of the legislation can be viewed here.

"We should not underestimate the size of our debt and deficit. Our problems are so large that no single plan will be the answer to all our nation's fiscal woes, but this plan makes a solid first step," said Congressman Lankford. "We are staying true to the principle of spending cuts that are greater than the increase in the debt ceiling. This plan, in essence, contains the key planks of Cut, Cap and Balance, which I have supported from the very beginning. It will make immediate spending cuts during fiscal year 2012, cap the growth in spending below the rate of inflation for the next ten years and put the focus on a fall vote for a balanced budget amendment which remains the only true solution to our long-term fiscal challenges. Today's vote makes vital progress, but much hard work still remains.

"Washington must finally agree that we have a debt crisis due to our spending problem. With more than $14 trillion in debt, Americans understand that we cannot quickly solve the problem that has built over a generation, but we must get started, and today we took the first step."

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