Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack (CA-45) released the following statement in reaction to a debt ceiling plan outlined today by House Speaker John Boehner:
"Before the clock strikes midnight on August 2, I remain optimistic that Congress will approve a debt ceiling plan which preserves the full faith and credit of the United States -- and we will do it without raising taxes.
"I believe the approach taken by Speaker Boehner and the Republican leadership offers a viable blueprint for the future. It provides for immediate reductions in government spending and also places strict caps on future discretionary spending. Just as importantly, it requires both the House and Senate to have a straight up-or-down vote on a Balanced Budget Amendment this year, which will force the federal government to live within its means.
"It's a step in the right direction. But before deciding whether or not to support this approach, I plan to carefully weigh all of the pros and cons. It's imperative that we get this right.
"Today, as a nation, we are borrowing 40 cents out of every $1 we spend. That's simply irresponsible and threatens the future prosperity of America. Our children deserve better. That's the clear message that I am hearing from voters all across the district, and that's why dramatically cutting non-essential federal spending -- no matter how difficult -- should remain our top priority."