Congressman Jim Costa joined a bipartisan group of 100 representatives in sending a letter to the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction - commonly referred to as the Super Committee -- urging its members to go beyond the $1.2 trillion in deficit reduction it is required to propose and instead accomplish the $4 trillion in long-term deficit reduction required to return fiscal sanity to Washington. The Budget Control Act of 2011, which established the Super Committee, requires the committee propose at least $1.2 trillion in cuts by Nov. 23 for a vote in the House and Senate.
"Valley families and businesses understand they have to live within their means, and they expect the same out of Washington," said Costa. "For too long Washington has been led down a road of fiscal irresponsibility by partisanship and ideology. It's time to address our fiscal problems once and for all. We must find a long-term solution to tackle our debt and restore faith in our economy."
The 100 lawmakers who signed the letter -- 60 Democrats and 40 Republicans -- called for all options to remain on the table for deficit reduction, including reductions in mandatory and discretionary spending and revenues. The letter expressed a commitment to a balanced approach similar to the one outlined in the final report released by the President's Bipartisan Deficit Commission in December 2010.
"Many think Congress is not up to this task, but I am encouraged that so many members are willing to reach across the aisle to urge bold action," Costa added. "Now is a moment of truth, which requires us to work together and "go big.' I stand with my Republican and Democratic colleagues in support of a balanced, bipartisan approach to restoring our fiscal well-being."
The Super Committee is required by law to report a framework for deficit reductions by Nov. 23. The House and Senate must then approve the plan by a straight up or down vote by Dec. 23. Failure to approve deficit reduction legislation before this deadline will trigger automatic, across-the-board cuts to defense and discretionary spending.