U.S. Rep. Rodney Alexander, R-Quitman, released the following remarks after it appeared the Joint Committee on Deficit Reduction would not meet its deadline to submit a plan:
"It's truly unfortunate that the lawmakers on the Supercommittee, tasked with eliminating $1.2 trillion from the federal debt, have been unable to reach an agreement on how to achieve this necessary target thus far. As our debt surpassed $15 trillion last week, it is evident that tough--but critical--directives need to be established so that Washington finally exercises substantial fiscal restraint.
"With the apparent gridlock, the law requires automatic spending cuts to take effect at the start of 2013. In the very least, I hope that knowing this trigger is set will offer some stability to our already-fluctuating financial markets.
"We must put in place a responsible structure dictating how Washington operates, so that Uncle Sam is forced to set priorities and finally begin living within his means. No one said it would be easy, but we all agree it is essential. For the future of our nation, we must come together to solve this crisis."