Issue Position: Government Spending

Issue Position

Randy's Plan to Get Government Spending Under Control

Stop the Bailout Mentality
Congressman Forbes believes our forefathers sacrificed too much for us for us to allow America to become a nation of debtors. That is why he is one of only 17 out of 435 Members of Congress to vote against all of the stimulus and bailout packages under both Presidents Bush and Obama. Congressman Forbes has been recognized by the American Conservative Union for his strong voting record on efforts to create more efficient and responsible government.

Balance the Federal Budget
In order to create a deliberate and strategic mechanism to get spending under control, Congressman Forbes has consistently supported a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution (H.J.Res.1). The Balanced Budget Amendment would force Congress to enact fiscally responsible spending measures, reduce the deficit, and ensure that the money our citizens work so hard to earn is not spent on wasteful spending and programs.

Limit the National Debt
Congressman Forbes believes in the simple truth that we should not spend that which we do not have. He has cosponsored legislation, the Cap the Debt Act (H.R. 4262) mandate a 2/3 roll call vote in both the House and Senate chambers in order to raise the debt ceiling. It would repeal the current Gephardt Rule that allows a debt ceiling increase to be included in budget resolutions without facing a direct vote.

Tie Members Salaries to Growth in Federal Spending
Just like families and businesses across America, Members of Congress need to be accountable for their fiscal decisions. Congressman Forbes believes to do that they need to have a personal stake in their decisions. He has introduced legislation, the Congressional Accountability Pay Act (H.R. 4681) to tie Member of Congress' salaries to the growth in federal spending - the more they spend, the less they make. For instance, if federal spending increases by 7%, congressional salaries are cut by 7%.

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