Washington, DC- Rep. Pete Olson (R-Sugar Land) issued the following statement in light of the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction’s announcement they were unable to reach agreement on the $1.2 trillion in cuts mandated by the Budget Control Act that was passed this summer:

“Republicans on the committee approached these talks in good faith and identified and offered over $640 billion in proposed cuts and savings, which were rejected by the Democrats. Sadly, the Democrats refused to come up with an alternative proposal that could be discussed and voted on.  They would not even agree to a partial deal that would ease the impact of impending automatic cuts on our military.

“At a time when the problems of our nation demand serious leadership, congressional Democrats opted to use the committee as a political messaging board.  They wanted us to choose between taking more tax dollars from hard-working Americans – including small businesses that can provide the jobs the nation desperately needs - or gutting our military.  Our national security shouldn’t be used as a bartering chip for more taxes and more spending.   

“We must acknowledge the fiscal reality we are in. We must cut spending, reform entitlements and reform our tax code to move our economy forward and ensure the future of our great nation.”

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