Issue Position: Fiscal Discipline

Issue Position

Congress has to do more with less and that means finding ways to cut government spending. The federal government must live within its means. We cannot be all things to all people.

· Federal Budget. Over the past 12 years annual federal spending has more than doubled, exceeding $3.1 trillion. If deficit spending were the way to prosperity, our economy would be booming. It is not the government's money we talk about and spend, it is the American people's money. This is unacceptable and unsustainable. We cannot afford to continue to run this government on a credit card. I am committed to dramatically reduce the size and scope of the federal budget.

· Earmarks. Revamping the earmarking process is a top priority. I will not ask for an earmark until the process is open, transparent and reformed. I am seeking to raise the bar by increasing transparency, openness, accountability, and requiring better justification for spending precious federal dollars. We can't afford to fund every worthy project that comes to our attention. At the same time, I recognize that there is a proper role for the federal government in providing funding for certain types of projects. I have established a criteria and a process for securing funding for those projects that have a federal nexus while eliminating projects that don't meet the criteria.

· Federal Bureaucracy. I believe the federal government has expanded far beyond its proper role. I continually seek to repeal unnecessary and ineffective programs and departments.

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