Five Ways To Repair Washington's Broken Budget Process

Press Release

The American people have watched the congressional budget process become increasingly dysfunctional in the last few years. Without having a guideline for America's spending priorities, Washington has spent too much, borrowed too much and wasted taxpayer dollars. The national debt currently stands at over $15 trillion--larger than this country's entire economy and equal to over $49,000 for every citizen in America.

Regardless of where one falls on the political spectrum, I believe we can all agree there will be no serious debate about this nation's spending priorities without a budget proposal. The failure of the U.S. Senate to pass a budget in over three years--or even propose a budget this year-- prevents Congress from having the important debate of how the federal government should spend taxpayer dollars.

While inaction in Congress has brought the budget debate to a standstill, there are proposals being considered that would address this problem. I am not an expert on federal budgeting, but I believe these five commonsense initiatives would go a long way toward putting this nation in better standing:

No Budget, No Pay. The "No Budget, No Pay Act" (H.R. 3642) is a commonsense bill that would prevent lawmakers from getting paid if they do not pass a budget resolution for the fiscal year. Congress has a constitutional responsibility to outline how it will spend precious taxpayer dollars. This is the job the American people elect their representatives to do and if they cannot get the job done they should not get paid.
No Budget, No More Borrowing. Last year's debt-limit showdown underscores the need for the "Budget Before Borrowing Act" (H.R. 3778). If enacted, this bill would ensure the debt-limit cannot be raised unless Congress has adopted a budget resolution. If Congress wants to raise the debt limit, they will need to first establish a blueprint for national spending.
Real Spending Caps. The "Spending Control Act" (H.R. 3576) would establish limitations on federal spending. These limitations are in the form of spending caps on the various categories of government spending and on deficits. These caps will be enforced by an automatic 4% reduction for any government program growing faster than the inflation rate.

Target Wasteful Spending. Under the "Expedited Legislative Line-item Veto Act" (H.R. 3521), the executive branch will be given the opportunity to reexamine laws within 45 days after enactment for potentially wasteful spending. This bill would require Congress to take an "up or down" vote within five days after the President proposes any changes to a piece of legislation.

Balanced Budget Amendment. I believe Northern Michiganders expect the federal government not to spend more money than it takes in. The easiest way to ensure this happens is the addition of a balanced budget amendment to the U.S. Constitution. It has become evident that many Washington politicians have no restraint in spending America's hard earned tax dollars. Based on this evidence, unless Congress is handcuffed by the supreme law of the land, there may be little hope we can bring this country's fiscal house in order.

Republicans, Democrats, and independents all know this nation is on the brink of endless deficits. But this future does not have to come to pass. Congress can stop fighting and take action now to move this country toward a stronger fiscal foundation. I believe reducing federal spending and balancing the budget is not complicated, it just requires the determination and will to get it done.

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