Spending Cuts and Debt
![Dollar with a bandage on it Dollar with a bandage on it](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20121108191050im_/https://rivera.house.gov/sites/rivera.house.gov/files/styles/section_front_boilerplate/public/fiscal-responsibility.jpg)
Spending Cuts and Debt affect us all and dealing with these issues are important to my work in Congress.
Budget
I have made a commitment to the residents of our district that my priorities will be to balance the federal budget and reduce government spending levels. Article 1, Section 8, Clause 1 of the Constitution grants Congress the exclusive power to manage the nation’s budget. Responsibly managing our country’s finances and being good stewards of taxpayer dollars is one of our most important obligations within Congress. There are many difficult decisions being made regarding the budget. We must keep every line-item of the budget on the table when it comes to considering spending cuts and savings. The cuts being made represent tough choices but our economy cannot grow and create jobs if we keep our national debt at current hyper-inflated levels.
The U.S. spends billions of dollars every year on domestic programs intended to improve the lives of its citizens. These programs are geared towards improving education, the environment, health, and the economy. However, many federal programs are often duplicative or riddled with waste, fraud, and abuse. Given the fact that the United States must borrow an additional 42 cents out of every dollar spent to support federal programs this year, it is essential that Congress continue to look for ways to increase the effectiveness of these programs and reduce our $15 trillion national debt. Your share of that debt is approximately $46,000.
For more information concerning my work and views on the issues of Spending Cuts and Debt, please contact my Washington, DC office.
Congressman Rivera on Spending Cuts & Debt: