Congress Should Make the Tough Choices
Last week, it was reported that a bipartisan group of people will study the federal government's budget and make recommendations for spending decreases and tax increases. At first glance, you might think they were referring to the United States Congress. After all, that is what Members of Congress are supposed to do.
The President signed an executive order to create the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform. The 18-member Commission will make non-binding recommendations to Congress by December that are meant to balance the budget by 2015.
The administration is finally bowing to the reality that our country cannot sustain one trillion dollar deficits year after year. The President said that everything would be on the table, including cuts to Medicare, Social Security and raising taxes.
There is no doubt that Washington needs to make tough choices about spending. These choices will have an impact on every community and state. That is why Congress, elected by the people, should be the ones to make those decisions. The whole reason we elect a Congress and President is to make tough choices on behalf of their constituents.
I am concerned that this Commission will recommend small cuts and large tax increases. That would be the wrong way to go. Congress has not made any tough choices when it comes to spending. Instead, it has simply taxed and borrowed more and more. Congress should not wait for a Commission; it should begin making tough spending choices today.
Sincerely,
Sam Graves