Federal Government Spending

This is an exchange of correspondence with Rep. Neugebauer on federal government spending.

Dear Randy,
I previously wrote you requesting that you strongly oppose raising the federal debt limit. You replied with the form letter message below.

Congratulations! I clearly deduce from your message that your heart and your mind are in the best interests of our country. My only concern is how strong are your beliefs and how strongly you will fight against the Administration, which is obviously using debt and fear to radically change our economic viability as a means to change our culture.

-----Original Message-----
Sent: Monday, July 25, 2011 8:50 AM
To: 'Arthur Sucsy'
Subject: RE: No Reason to Raise Federal Debt Limit

Thank you for contacting me about government spending. I always appreciate your suggestions and feedback about this critical issue that affects every American. I share your concerns about the future of our country if Washington fails to make significant spending cuts. I also agree that many government programs have had negative effects on our country and have started to threaten the values that have always made America great.

At a time in our history when we are running trillion dollar deficits annually, President Obama and his administration do not seem to notice or care about the serious debt situation facing our nation. I want you to know I am aware of this problem, as are most of my Republican colleagues.

For too long, Washington forgot who it was serving and ignored the voices of the people. Not only did we spend money we didn't have, but your hard-earned tax dollars were spent without regard to the consequences that the fiscal irresponsibility would have for our nation. Washington paid little attention to the huge burdens that reckless spending would create for future generations. At this rate, our nation will go bankrupt if we do not dramatically cut back on government spending and put an end to budget tricks, accounting gimmicks and empty promises.

I strongly believe that to get our fiscal house in order, we must begin to take immediate, common sense steps before it is too late. As a business owner, I know firsthand that a business cannot be sustainable if it constantly spends more than it brings in-neither can a government. At the start of the 112th Congress in January 2011, Speaker Boehner reduced Congressional spending for each Member and Committee by 5% per year. In my office, this was a cut of $70,000. While that savings is not large independently, it is a start and it also sends a message that everyone can find ways to trim their budgets. During consideration of H.R. 1, the appropriations bill to fund the government for the remainder of 2011 Fiscal Year, I supported nearly every non-defense spending cut proposed, and was rated by independent groups as one of the most conservative voters on amendments for that bill. I also voted to strip federal funding from Planned Parenthood and many of the ill-advised initiatives of the EPA. At a time when we are asking American families to tighten their belts, government must take every opportunity to do the same. We cannot ask the American people to accept difficult choices and cuts to programs, if we, as government leaders, are not willing to do the same ourselves.

As you know, in recent years, government spending has skyrocketed out of control. Our annual deficits have accelerated from billions of dollars each year, to trillions of dollars each year, with no end in sight. As the economy has faltered, the government and the Obama Administration have made the decision to bailout or take over many struggling industries, ranging from health care, to car companies, to banks. I want you to know that I have opposed all of these bills and policies which have increased our spending and bailed out those who have made bad decisions. I voted against the $700 billion Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) also commonly referred to as the "Wall Street Bailout." I voted against the failed $800 billion American Recovery and Reinvestment Act also known as the "Stimulus Bill." I voted against the health care bill, "ObamaCare," that raised taxes and will significantly increase the cost of health care. And finally, I voted against the Dodd-Frank financial reform bill that raises the cost of capital for everyone, limits the financial products available to consumers, fails to prevent future bailouts, and does nothing to reform Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. I have voted against these failed initiatives and I commit to you that I will continue to hold strong against these liberal bills and agendas.

Additionally, I have personally introduced legislation that will force Congress and President Obama to fix our country's spending problem. The proposed legislation would amend the Constitution to require a two-thirds vote in the House and Senate in order to increase taxes or the debt limit. That would ensure that Washington focus on cutting spending which is the real problem that has led to our $14+ trillion debt. I have also joined many of my colleagues in supporting a balanced budget amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

We must take the necessary action to get this country on a sustainable fiscal path so that our children and grandchildren get a chance to have the same opportunities enjoyed by current generations of Americans. I realize these cuts will have an effect on some programs people have come to rely on, and undoubtedly we will see cuts to well-intentioned programs we simply can't afford. However, it is imperative we make these difficult decisions on behalf of future generations of Americans.

Please be assured that as I represent you in Congress, I will continue to fight for a stronger America which includes reducing spending and ensuring that existing resources are being properly utilized. Thank you again for contacting me. I value your input and I hope that you will always contact me with your concerns.