Rokita: Obama Budget Far From Balanced -- We Must Prioritize Spending

U.S. Rep. Todd Rokita, a member of the House Budget Committee and a coauthor of the House-passed FY2014 budget resolution, questioned Treasury Secretary Jack Lew today during a hearing on the President's budget proposal. Rokita's questions focused on debt payment prioritization as it relates to the debt limit deadline that is expected to occur this summer. Rokita issued the following statement after the hearing:

"Secretary Lew continued the failed argument that Office of Management and Budget Acting Director Zients attempted last week: defending higher taxes, more spending and bigger government as a "balanced approach' to solving our debt crisis. A budget that never balances is far from "balanced,' no matter how many times the Obama Administration tries to say otherwise.

"It puzzles me that Secretary Lew was instrumental in delivering a balanced budget for then-President Clinton but he contradicts his own accomplishments by defending such a short-sighted budget proposal today.

"During my exchange with Secretary Lew, I expressed my concerns about the debt limit and his willingness to prioritize payments. To his credit, Secretary Lew stated he would prioritize payments in accordance with any legislation Congress may produce. I look forward to working with my congressional colleagues to continue to cut spending and reduce our debt," said Rokita.

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