Congress’ Fiscal Responsibility

Members of Congress are being called back to Washington this week to vote on raising the debt ceiling. As a fiscal conservative, I will be voting against this proposal, yet again, because I am firmly opposed to this administration’s management of taxpayer dollars.

In October, the House and Senate voted to add $480 billion to the U.S. debt limit through December 15, after many weeks of partisan debate and disagreements. To respond to this looming deadline, both chambers passed a roundabout procedural gimmick that provides a pathway for Democrats to pass the legislation to increase the debt ceiling without Republican votes.

Democrats have willingly been working alone this year to pass their far-left policies and spending sprees, so they must take ownership in effectively addressing the debt limit. Democrats have the ability, with majorities in both chambers and control of the White House, to approve a debt ceiling increase on their own through the regular budget process. Instead, this bill will be passed using a fast-track loophole and will exceed our debt cap to further fund their reckless agenda, including the partisan Build Back Better Act.

This week’s vote is yet another way for Democrats to place the burden of their carefree spending and extreme wish list on the backs of American taxpayers. It also comes at a time when our nation is facing an economic crisis. We are already almost $30 trillion in debt, inflation has reached its highest level in nearly 40 years, real wages are in decline, and new jobs are below the expected amount. On top of this, the Congressional Budget Office announced last week that if the over 150 social programs in the Build Back Better Act were made permanent, which Democrats want, it would cost Americans $4.9 trillion and add over $3 trillion to our national debt.

Enough is enough. Although Democrats and Republicans have come together in the past to address the debt ceiling, this time is much different. Americans shouldn’t have to fund Democrats’ partisan agenda, especially when some are already struggling to afford daily necessities, due to this Administration’s failed policies and wasteful spending. I will stand strong in protecting the interests of Oklahoma’s fifth district and do all that I can to prohibit further damage to our country’s economy.