Issue Position: Budget and Spending

Issue Position

We need a balanced approach to government spending and a budget that reflects our values. This includes making common sense spending reductions that eliminate waste and fraud, while protecting key investments that create jobs, foster economic growth and promote entrepreneurship.

I am proud to be a cosponsor of the bipartisan H.R. 310, No Budget No Pay Act. If Members of Congress fail to do what their constituents elected them to do, such as passing a budget, then they should have their pay suspended. I have voluntarily taken an 8.4% pay cut, the same reduction most discretionary programs are experiencing, until a solution to sequestration is reached.

Just like a family balancing a budget at home, Congress needs to responsibly manage government spending. This includes reevaluating the money we spend on tax breaks for large corporations and subsidies for oil and gas companies. I support a deficit reduction plan that will eliminate waste, particularly irresponsible government procurement, while protecting the critical safety net programs that millions of American families rely on. Congress should not balance our government's budget on the backs of the most vulnerable.

For 16 days last October my neighbors and Americans across the country needlessly suffered from a government shutdown and fear of a U.S. default on our national debt. Small businesses in my District had SBA loans and contracts with the government delayed. Tragically, even death benefits for family members of our fallen military heroes were put on hold. We cannot allow the prospect of partisan gains to shut down our nation's government. The American people deserve better.

In December of last year, I was proud to vote for a bipartisan budget agreement that will keep our government running for another two years. While this deal was far from perfect it allows us to move forward as a nation. I will continue to work to create a budget that reduces our deficit in a responsible way while investing in the future of our country.

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