The Debate in Washington Has Changed

Over the last seven months the conversation in Washington has changed. For too long, Congress focused on how much government could spend, but now the debate has shifted to how we can stop spending money we do not have. The American people, who understand the status quo of excess government spending is no longer acceptable, have transformed the debate through their willingness to speak up and demand change.

At the beginning of 2011, President Obama requested the largest debt increase limit in history. Because no spending cuts were attached, he essentially requested a blank check. The American people spoke out in opposition, Congress listened, and the President's request was defeated by a bipartisan majority. Then, he shifted his ask to a "balanced" approach - equal parts spending cuts and tax hikes. Once again, American workers and job creators made it known such a decision would be detrimental to an already fragile economy, and once again, President Obama gave up on his request.

By listening to the American people, Congress passed legislation on August 1 which ended the uncertainty of a potential national default; and it did so by sticking to principles of smaller government. The amended Budget Control Act of 2011 immediately cuts spending, caps future spending, and clears the way for a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution. This legislation, which cleared the House with bipartisan support, is the direct product of the American people's demands for Congress to get serious about its spending addiction and address our debt crisis. While far from perfect, it demonstrates how much the terms of the debate in Washington have changed.

The immediate reductions may be small relative to the size of the problem, but the change in direction is historic. There is no question greater spending cuts would have been preferred, but for the first time in our nation's history, every dollar of debt limit increase will be matched by more than one dollar in spending cuts. Additionally, discretionary federal spending will be cut for the second consecutive year - a first in the course of modern federal budgeting.

In addition to the immediate spending cuts, the Budget Control Act paves the way for a guaranteed vote on a balanced budget amendment in both the House and Senate for the first time in 15 years. Its inclusion is a significant development to change the out-of-control spending cycles. Washington's inability to control spending on its own makes it clear the only effective way to do so is through an amendment to the Constitution.

Our commitment to cutting up Washington's credit cards continues. Controlling spending, saving future generations from national bankruptcy, and shrinking the size of the federal government will remain top priorities as we continue moving forward on this long road to get our fiscal house in order.

For more information about the fiscal issues, the latest developments from Congress, or to sign up for my e-mail newsletter, please visit my website at www.adriansmith.house.gov.