Pearce Continues to Says No to Borrowing Insanity

Steve Pearce

Washington, DC - Congressman Steve Pearce issued the following statement on Friday night’s agreement to avert a government shutdown: “In November, amidst an economic catastrophe, the American people made tremendous changes in Congress. Their statement was clear: they wanted the country to move dramatically in a new direction—a direction of smaller government, fiscal discipline, financial stability, and hope for future generations. “While I applaud the speaker and House leadership for their hard work to avoid a shutdown, there must be voices within Congress that hold us to a higher standard. I voted against tonight’s agreement because our goal must be greater than to merely avoid a shutdown. Congress must do better—Americans deserve no less. My vote tonight was intended to hold our leaders to a higher standard, to demonstrate to the country that there are elected officials in Washington that want to truly improve the future of America.

If we are not willing to make tough choices in this partial-year funding plan, then we cannot possibly make the crucial decisions needed on the debt ceiling, forensic budget audits, and next year’s spending bills. “We can never forget that this entire drama was the result of the previous Congress’ failure to act. Though Democrats had the White House and held significant majorities in both houses of Congress, they failed to fulfill their most basic Constitutional responsibilities, and never passed a budget.

It is simply unacceptable that America waited months for a long-term spending plan, and that we came within hours of cutting off pay for our troops. “I voted against tonight’s plan because it is not enough. For decades, both parties have tolerated rampant fiscal irresponsibility. Tonight’s outcome does little to demonstrate that Washington has listened or changed course. The American people need clear direction, bold vision and courageous leadership in these extraordinary and dangerous financial times.”

Pearce Continues to Says No to Borrowing Insanity