Udall to Business Leaders: We Must Enact Comprehensive, Bipartisan Solution on Deficit Reduction
'Federal Debt is Not Only a Serious Economic Threat, But Also … A Matter of National Security'
Mark Udall renewed his call today for addressing the deficit with a balanced, bipartisan plan in a message to the Fix the Debt Colorado Fiscal Leadership Council. Udall called the federal deficit a critical economic and national security threat to the nation.
"As I’ve said for a long while, Congress should put aside partisan talking points and rigid ideologies – and do what’s best for the American people and our economy," Udall wrote. "It’s time to enact a comprehensive deficit-reduction plan that cuts spending, responsibly reforms and strengthens entitlement programs, and overhauls the tax code while raising revenues. By doing this, we can avert the looming sequestration and stabilize the federal budget."
Udall’s message responds to the group’s Dec. 3 letter to the Colorado congressional delegation, which asks leaders in Washington "to take the steps necessary during the lame duck session that will lead to a comprehensive agreement for medium- and long-term deficit and debt reduction for the United States."
Thank you for reaching out to me on the very important issue of debt reduction. I absolutely agree with the points made in your December 3 letter. Quite simply, Congress needs to get its act together and immediately reach a debt and deficit reduction agreement. Our nation’s enormous federal debt is not only a serious economic threat, but also has become a matter of national security. Moreover, the continued uncertainty for U.S. businesses, families and financial markets is unacceptable.
As many of your members may know, I have been pushing for a comprehensive debt reduction plan for several years. I was one of the senators who urged the creation of the bipartisan Simpson-Bowles Commission. Repeatedly, I have called for the Commission’s recommendations to be brought up for a Senate vote. And I was proud to lead our congressional delegation on this issue in August 2012, as seven out of nine members urged the leaders of the U.S. House and U.S. Senate to actively work to pass a comprehensive, balanced deficit reduction package to avoid sequestration.
As I’ve said for a long while, Congress should put aside partisan talking points and rigid ideologies – and do what’s best for the American people and our economy. It’s time to enact a comprehensive deficit-reduction plan that cuts spending, responsibly reforms and strengthens entitlement programs, and overhauls the tax code while raising revenues. By doing this, we can avert the looming sequestration and stabilize the federal budget.
You can be assured that I am continuing to fight for a comprehensive solution every day until Congress acts. I am pleased to work alongside your members to make this happen. Your group’s work is a perfect illustration of how positive results can be reached when we work together, regardless of political affiliation or ideological differences.
Thank you again for working so closely with me.