Issue Position: Budget/Fiscal Responsibility

Issue Position

Just like Utah families, Jim feels strongly that the federal government should balance its budget and live within its means. He believes it is fiscally reckless and morally wrong to pile debt on future generations. Jim knows the only way to turn things around is to make serious structural changes to the federal budget process. Here are a few things he has done to tackle the problem:

Successfully restored pay-as-you-go budget enforcement rules to prevent deficit spending.

Advocated spending caps, and cuts to wasteful or duplicative programs.

Voted to adopt a Balanced Budget Amendment to the Constitution.

Reduce the Deficit, Cap Spending

Jim has always fought for good ideas he believes will cut the deficit- and works with both parties in Congress to put in place real budget savings and reforms.

Jim voted for a plan to bring about $2.5 trillion in deficit reduction that does not increase taxes and does not jeopardize Social Security. Jim also stood with a group of 150 Democrats and Republicans, calling for a "go big" approach to reducing the deficit.

He is fighting for a long-term plan that puts what is right for our country's fiscal wellbeing ahead of playing politics and would reduce the federal debt by at least $4 trillion.

Challenge Congressional Pay Raises

Jim is committed to changing the culture of politics in Washington. He believes elected officials are morally obligated to be responsible stewards of our tax dollars, and that voters deserve transparency and accountability in government.

From his first day on the job, Jim led the fight on the House floor for an open, up-or-down vote on the existing, automatic pay raise given to Congress. For the past several years, Jim has won the fight, and no pay raise has taken place.

He continues to donate any previous salary increases to Utah charities.

Jim wrote a bill that would change the current system to require a vote in the House of Representatives before any increase to Members' salaries because he fundamentally believes that the public deserves an open debate on issues.

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