FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | August 1, 2011
CONTACT: Jamie Hanks | (202) 225-8490

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Rodney Alexander (R-Quitman) had the following remarks regarding the historic deficit-reduction legislation passed by the House of Representatives:

“The amended Budget Control Act of 2011 is not the perfect solution to our nation’s spending-driven debt crisis; however, it accomplishes what House Republicans have been working for since day one. It cuts spending by a larger amount than we raise the debt limit; it caps future spending to limit government growth without instituting  tax hikes; and, it guarantees the American people will get a recorded vote in the House and Senate on a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution.

“Through the stalwart leadership of conservative members of the House, our country will avoid an economically disastrous default and immediately begin to reduce its deficit by epic proportions—all of which will be accomplished without taxes going up one cent.

“If President Obama and the Democrat-controlled Senate had their way, the debt ceiling would have been raised without any spending cuts, and tax hikes would have been implemented on the American people. Instead of forcing individuals to pay more so the government could spend more, my conservative colleagues and I stood firmly against the same misguided spending policies that got us into this fiscal mess in the first place.

“As a representative of the ninth poorest congressional district in the nation, it is my duty to ensure our seniors and most vulnerable citizens are secure. Meanwhile, the magnitude of what is at stake for our small businesses if a debt agreement is not signed into law is equally apparent. At the end of the day though, neither the free market system nor our federal assistance programs will exist for future generations if we don’t stop spending money we don’t have. The decision to back this particular framework was not an easy one, but I believe my affirmative vote was in the best interest of those I serve.

“In addition to the $1 trillion instantly cut, a special joint committee will be created to slash another $1.5 trillion in order to reduce the deficit even further. What's more is that under this legislation both chambers will be required to vote on a desperately-needed balanced budget amendment. And to reiterate, this bill does not include a single tax increase.

“When all is said and done, this essentially means Washington cannot continue funneling funds into failed, unnecessary or wasteful programs. This is money that will remain in the American people’s pockets that they can use for their benefit and not the government’s irresponsible spending habits. Washington’s blank check has finally been voided and shredded.”

U.S. Rep. Rodney Alexander, R-Quitman, represents Louisiana’s 5th Congressional District and serves on the House Appropriations Committee.

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