Proposal Leaves $42 Billion on the Table

Category: Inside Congress Keywords: Accountablility, Conservative Principles

Dan Holler | February 3, 2011

Earlier this morning, Heritage Action told you the focus in Washington was shifting to spending. Sure enough, House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan (R-WI) unveiled his budget numbers for the remainder of 2011. The proposal would cut non-security spending by $58 billion, but it falls $42 billion short of the Republicans’ Pledge to America to cut $100 billion in the first year.

From the Pledge:

With common-sense exceptions for seniors, veterans, and our troops, we will roll back government spending to pre-stimulus, prebailout levels, saving us at least $100 billion in the first year alone and putting us on a path to balance the budget and pay down the debt. We will also establish strict budget caps to limit federal spending from this point forward.

To clarify, House Republicans pledged to rollback non-security discretionary spending to 2008 levels. Heritage Action supported that effort, considering it the bare minimum.

Chairman Ryan’s proposal would reduce non-security discretionary spending to $420 billion, down from the President’s requested $478 billion, but $42 billion higher than the promised 2008 level of $378 billion.

What conservatives need to know is that the proposal leaves an unacceptable $42 billion on the table.

Note: The $74 billion figure includes $16 billion in security cuts, which do not help House Republicans meet their goal of cutting $100 billion in non-security spending.

Dan Holler

COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

@danholler

Please Share Your Thoughts

http://tiny.cc/1ogn1 James Garrett

It’s still early in the game and they have only been in power for 28 days. Give them a little time and I believe they will cut more. They will do what they promised but it will take time. We still have two more years of liberal progressives Democrats controlling two branches of the government While that exists not much more can be done.

I see people make comments as if the Republicans took over all three branches of government in the November 2, 2010 election but that is not the case. Everything the Republican Party does pass in the House of Representatives can be stopped in the Senate or by the president. I expect very little will get done in the next two years.
- pj
  
  The House and Senate comprise one branch of our government, not two.
- Dwayne Mercer
  
  I do not think we should cut the House Republicans any slack. They promised the 100 billion cut and they need to adhere to that promise. They have a lot of pressure on them form the lobbyists, media and others to play nice, compromise and all the rest of that garbage that tends to undermine whatever resolve they may have started out with. Let us not just sit by and watch the house Republicans morph into RINOs.
  - John R. Turner
    
    I agree we have to hold “Our Employees” accountable to the job they hired on for. If we do not let them know that they are not meeting expectations then it is We the People who are falling down on the job.
    
    The budget must be contained and it must be done without raising the debt ceiling.
    
    Next election we will have an opportunity to weed out more of those RINOs, as we should have done with McBama here in Arizona.
- Frank
  
  Yes, it is still early in the game, but a $58 Billion cut is not a significant attempt to cut the deficit that now is running at $1,500 Billion. There seems no sense of urgency on the part of the Republicans to cut, but time is running out. The world is quickly losing confidence in the US Dollar and when it loses its status as the world’s reserve currency there will be an overnight rush one day soon to “dump the Dollar” worldwide and the politicians & average voters won’t know what hit them as the USA collapses financially. I give us at most 2-5 years before that happens. Former Fed chairman Alan Greenspan reduced his view recent from 10 to 5 years for this to happen. WE ARE RUNNING OUT OF TIME!!
http://tiny.cc/1ogn1 James Garrett

It’s still early in the game and they have only been in power for 28 days. Give them a little time and I believe they will cut more. They will do what they promised but it will take time. We still have two more years of liberal progressives Democrats controlling two branches of the government While that exists not much more can be done.

I see people make comments as if the Republicans took over all three branches of government in the November 2, 2010 election but that is not the case. Everything the Republican Party does pass in the House of Representatives can be stopped in the Senate or by the president. I expect very little will get done in the next two years.
- pj
  
  The House and Senate comprise one branch of our government, not two.
- Dwayne Mercer
  
  I do not think we should cut the House Republicans any slack. They promised the 100 billion cut and they need to adhere to that promise. They have a lot of pressure on them form the lobbyists, media and others to play nice, compromise and all the rest of that garbage that tends to undermine whatever resolve they may have started out with. Let us not just sit by and watch the house Republicans morph into RINOs.
  - John R. Turner
    
    I agree we have to hold “Our Employees” accountable to the job they hired on for. If we do not let them know that they are not meeting expectations then it is We the People who are falling down on the job.
    
    The budget must be contained and it must be done without raising the debt ceiling.
    
    Next election we will have an opportunity to weed out more of those RINOs, as we should have done with McBama here in Arizona.
- Frank
  
  Yes, it is still early in the game, but a $58 Billion cut is not a significant attempt to cut the deficit that now is running at $1,500 Billion. There seems no sense of urgency on the part of the Republicans to cut, but time is running out. The world is quickly losing confidence in the US Dollar and when it loses its status as the world’s reserve currency there will be an overnight rush one day soon to “dump the Dollar” worldwide and the politicians & average voters won’t know what hit them as the USA collapses financially. I give us at most 2-5 years before that happens. Former Fed chairman Alan Greenspan reduced his view recent from 10 to 5 years for this to happen. WE ARE RUNNING OUT OF TIME!!
Amy

Good work, Dan Holler. These guys have controlled one half of one branch of government for a month already and all they could muster is the first spending cut in years (and a bigger one than the Deficit Reduction Act)? Take these pansies to the woodshed. What conservatives need to know is that we should never ever give our guys in Congress time to actually do stuff. We should berate them and leave them to fight us and liberals when they don’t meet our expectations in the most expeditious manner possible. Excellent work.
Amy

Good work, Dan Holler. These guys have controlled one half of one branch of government for a month already and all they could muster is the first spending cut in years (and a bigger one than the Deficit Reduction Act)? Take these pansies to the woodshed. What conservatives need to know is that we should never ever give our guys in Congress time to actually do stuff. We should berate them and leave them to fight us and liberals when they don’t meet our expectations in the most expeditious manner possible. Excellent work.
Scott A. Kent

I would have to agree it is still early in the game. They have kept one promise so far. They put the democrats on record of voting to support a unconstitutional bill. That is an awesome move if I do say so myself.
Scott A. Kent

I would have to agree it is still early in the game. They have kept one promise so far. They put the democrats on record of voting to support a unconstitutional bill. That is an awesome move if I do say so myself.
Billy

Did the republican pledge promise to accomplish everything in one bill?
- Nathanael
  
  Billy,
  
  They promised to cut $100 billion in the first year. This bill wraps up funding for the first year. It would have cut $100 billion if they wanted to follow through.
Billy

Did the republican pledge promise to accomplish everything in one bill?
- Nathanael
  
  Billy,
  
  They promised to cut $100 billion in the first year. This bill wraps up funding for the first year. It would have cut $100 billion if they wanted to follow through.
Scot, New Jersey

A good tenent to use with the American people as is used in business all the time…Under-promise and Over-deliver. So if $100 Billion was promised, I’d expect us to cut more than that…given the level of the deficit and the small window of opportunity available to prove to the folks that we are not the “more of the same old GOP” . Now is the time to be exceptional in the eyes of the people. Everything done now will influence what happens in 2012. if we don’t exceed $100 Billion, it will be remembered in the next election.
- Danny
  
  They promised 100 million . The govermet buget
  as gone up 27% in two years. The 58 million is about 3% off the buget ,is this all they can come up
  with. We wiil rememder next election
- Phyllis from Grand Junction
  
  If the Republicans do not propose drastic cuts, it will be viewed as “business as usual” and the electorate will certainly remember this!
Scot, New Jersey

A good tenent to use with the American people as is used in business all the time…Under-promise and Over-deliver. So if $100 Billion was promised, I’d expect us to cut more than that…given the level of the deficit and the small window of opportunity available to prove to the folks that we are not the “more of the same old GOP” . Now is the time to be exceptional in the eyes of the people. Everything done now will influence what happens in 2012. if we don’t exceed $100 Billion, it will be remembered in the next election.
- Danny
  
  They promised 100 million . The govermet buget
  as gone up 27% in two years. The 58 million is about 3% off the buget ,is this all they can come up
  with. We wiil rememder next election
- Phyllis from Grand Junction
  
  If the Republicans do not propose drastic cuts, it will be viewed as “business as usual” and the electorate will certainly remember this!
http://www.bhrglobal.com Bruce Rubin

The talk of $100 billion is missing the point. Until the major programs like Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and the Defense Budget are addressed realistically through a combination of cuts and tax increases we are only kidding ourselves that we are affecting the debt and the spending issues.
Yes $100 billion is nice but lets get the right discussion front and center and face the realities that must be faced.
We need leadership and strong resoluted leadership to make this happen.
- Doug Weise
  
  As Senator Everett Dirksen once stated, “A billion here and a billion there…pretty soon you’re talking about real money.” A cut of $58,000,000,000 is real money and a first step, but only that. Nevertheless, something is better than nothing, as long as all concerned realize that much more needs to be done, beginning with essential pruning of all entitlements, i.e. Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid…;reform tax code, i.e. Fair OR Flat tax, no credits, no deductions…everyone pays something.
http://www.bhrglobal.com Bruce Rubin

The talk of $100 billion is missing the point. Until the major programs like Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and the Defense Budget are addressed realistically through a combination of cuts and tax increases we are only kidding ourselves that we are affecting the debt and the spending issues.
Yes $100 billion is nice but lets get the right discussion front and center and face the realities that must be faced.
We need leadership and strong resoluted leadership to make this happen.
- Doug Weise
  
  As Senator Everett Dirksen once stated, “A billion here and a billion there…pretty soon you’re talking about real money.” A cut of $58,000,000,000 is real money and a first step, but only that. Nevertheless, something is better than nothing, as long as all concerned realize that much more needs to be done, beginning with essential pruning of all entitlements, i.e. Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid…;reform tax code, i.e. Fair OR Flat tax, no credits, no deductions…everyone pays something.
George Colgrove, VA

Dudes,

We will fail if we only cut $100 billion. This is by far NOTHING! 62% of Americans do not want to raise the debt ceiling and the vast majority do not want to raise taxes. The only option is cutting. We need to cut $1.5 trillion fromt he budget before the end of the year!

The 2011 budget is $3.81 trillion. The reckless federal workforce has already spent $1.8 trillion in four short months so far. Meaning we have only $2 trillion left. If we need to cut $1.5 trillion, that leaves only $500 billion to work with. The fact is the feds have already failed the American People. A 15% across the board cut hitting everything will reduce the budget by $570 Billion. It does not need to be targeted, just let each and every federal office cut their staff and expenses by 15%. Then for 2012, congress should get out the meat cleaver.
George Colgrove, VA

Dudes,

We will fail if we only cut $100 billion. This is by far NOTHING! 62% of Americans do not want to raise the debt ceiling and the vast majority do not want to raise taxes. The only option is cutting. We need to cut $1.5 trillion fromt he budget before the end of the year!

The 2011 budget is $3.81 trillion. The reckless federal workforce has already spent $1.8 trillion in four short months so far. Meaning we have only $2 trillion left. If we need to cut $1.5 trillion, that leaves only $500 billion to work with. The fact is the feds have already failed the American People. A 15% across the board cut hitting everything will reduce the budget by $570 Billion. It does not need to be targeted, just let each and every federal office cut their staff and expenses by 15%. Then for 2012, congress should get out the meat cleaver.
Sue Regan

Everything should be on the table, including congrestional, executive and judicial branch spending: Pay, benefits, expenses, staffing, and anything else that they are charging to the American people.
- Sue Regan
  
  Please excuse the typo. Since I developed neuropathy in my hands, I have difficulty hitting the right keys. The word is “congressional”
Sue Regan

Everything should be on the table, including congrestional, executive and judicial branch spending: Pay, benefits, expenses, staffing, and anything else that they are charging to the American people.
- Sue Regan
  
  Please excuse the typo. Since I developed neuropathy in my hands, I have difficulty hitting the right keys. The word is “congressional”
Dale Evans

We don’t need a “read my lips moment”. The financial state of the nation calls for drastic cuts. Better to have some short term pains of frugality than long term pains of insolvency.

The 2008 spending levels was the goal – stick to it or lose the confidence of the electorate as well as the financial health of the nation.
Dale Evans

We don’t need a “read my lips moment”. The financial state of the nation calls for drastic cuts. Better to have some short term pains of frugality than long term pains of insolvency.

The 2008 spending levels was the goal – stick to it or lose the confidence of the electorate as well as the financial health of the nation.
Mark

WE the People demand bigger cuts now.
Mark

WE the People demand bigger cuts now.
Roger Smith

Cut spending or go bankrupt, there are no other choices.
- Dennis Polak
  
  The people elected these representatives to do a job – cut spending, reduce goverment, and reverse Obama Care. To date they haven’t accomplished any of these items. Times wasting get it done or we will be looking to replace them.
  If they can’t make progress don’t renew the federal budget when the temporary one runs out.
  - Carol Dorsey
    
    I don’t know what kind of business you are in, but obviously not in the government. Considering they just took a vote on Obama Care and was negated by the Senate; it will probably be decided by the Supreme Court. If we are lucky, good ole’ Hagan will not be in that decision-making process. As far as reducing cutting spending, they have asked all depts to come in with their recomended reductions which is SOP. And reducing government will follow those recommendations come in which is usually the way it goes I believe.
Roger Smith

Cut spending or go bankrupt, there are no other choices.
- Dennis Polak
  
  The people elected these representatives to do a job – cut spending, reduce goverment, and reverse Obama Care. To date they haven’t accomplished any of these items. Times wasting get it done or we will be looking to replace them.
  If they can’t make progress don’t renew the federal budget when the temporary one runs out.
  - Carol Dorsey
    
    I don’t know what kind of business you are in, but obviously not in the government. Considering they just took a vote on Obama Care and was negated by the Senate; it will probably be decided by the Supreme Court. If we are lucky, good ole’ Hagan will not be in that decision-making process. As far as reducing cutting spending, they have asked all depts to come in with their recomended reductions which is SOP. And reducing government will follow those recommendations come in which is usually the way it goes I believe.
billybeer

If these recently empowered (by us) characters don’t do what they promised us to get our vote, I for one will target them with a promise to not contribute a single penny to their re-election, and will “cut off my nose to spite my face” by voting for any tea party aligned candidate who runs against them in any primary, or election.

If I want lies and BS, I will listen to the democrats!
billybeer

If these recently empowered (by us) characters don’t do what they promised us to get our vote, I for one will target them with a promise to not contribute a single penny to their re-election, and will “cut off my nose to spite my face” by voting for any tea party aligned candidate who runs against them in any primary, or election.

If I want lies and BS, I will listen to the democrats!
GAIL RUBIO

WE, THE PEOPLE…WERE MADE BIG PROMISES BY THE REPUBS PRIOR TO THE NOVEMBER ELECTIONS…THAT’S WHY THEIR HOUSE MEMBERS INCREASED….THEY WOULD BE SINGULARLY UNWISE AND IMPRUDENT TO RENEG ON THAT PROMISE NOW….IT WOULD LITTERALLY BE THE KISS OF DEATH! I’M CERTAIN THE “LIAR-IN-CHIEF” LOVES THE VASCILLATING OF THE REPUBS…AND WILL DO ALL IN HIS POWER TO KEEP “THAT” MOMENTUM GOING.
GAIL RUBIO

WE, THE PEOPLE…WERE MADE BIG PROMISES BY THE REPUBS PRIOR TO THE NOVEMBER ELECTIONS…THAT’S WHY THEIR HOUSE MEMBERS INCREASED….THEY WOULD BE SINGULARLY UNWISE AND IMPRUDENT TO RENEG ON THAT PROMISE NOW….IT WOULD LITTERALLY BE THE KISS OF DEATH! I’M CERTAIN THE “LIAR-IN-CHIEF” LOVES THE VASCILLATING OF THE REPUBS…AND WILL DO ALL IN HIS POWER TO KEEP “THAT” MOMENTUM GOING.
Bob McIlvenna

They can’t make real spending cuts without risking slashes in some of their constituents’ programs. They want to get re-elected. They can’t offend those who could vote for them. Without term limits they can sit there all their lives. Limit them to one term and they could genuinely try to get something done and then go back home.
Bob McIlvenna

They can’t make real spending cuts without risking slashes in some of their constituents’ programs. They want to get re-elected. They can’t offend those who could vote for them. Without term limits they can sit there all their lives. Limit them to one term and they could genuinely try to get something done and then go back home.
Roy Callahan

This just proves that those we elect are irresponsibile if we the people don’t keep an eye on them and hold their feet to the fire. This also shows the problem with this type of representative government, and the public’s and Congress’ disregard for the constitution that doesn’t allow most of what congress does (Read Article 1, Sectin 8 – Enumerated powers) is a problem that needs to be addressed by one and all. Is there anybody in this crowd that believes government can do something better for them than they can do for themselves?
Roy Callahan

This just proves that those we elect are irresponsibile if we the people don’t keep an eye on them and hold their feet to the fire. This also shows the problem with this type of representative government, and the public’s and Congress’ disregard for the constitution that doesn’t allow most of what congress does (Read Article 1, Sectin 8 – Enumerated powers) is a problem that needs to be addressed by one and all. Is there anybody in this crowd that believes government can do something better for them than they can do for themselves?
http://rceres543@mac.com Ron from Belleville

In just 28 days have the Tea Party Conservatives already been co-opted by the “Old Boy Rinos?
Remember, freshmen & women, that you are you are only as good as your word. Keep the faith with us voters and hold out for the full cuts as promised.
http://rceres543@mac.com Ron from Belleville

In just 28 days have the Tea Party Conservatives already been co-opted by the “Old Boy Rinos?
Remember, freshmen & women, that you are you are only as good as your word. Keep the faith with us voters and hold out for the full cuts as promised.
Robert H. Davidson

Don’t get too comfortable in your new seats boys and girls. Clarbell is coming with his seltzer bottle. You will be held to your word, so cut then cut some more to reach your stated goal. Do you want to move in two years cut or move on!
Robert H. Davidson

Don’t get too comfortable in your new seats boys and girls. Clarbell is coming with his seltzer bottle. You will be held to your word, so cut then cut some more to reach your stated goal. Do you want to move in two years cut or move on!
David Parrish

I completely disagree with the notion that it is too early in the game. Now is the time to set the bar and make sure that the bar is only the starting point. Congress can and should withdraw all public funding of Planned Parenthood. The EPA needs a radical trimming and its time to make radical cuts to our foreign aid program. 100 billion is a drop in the bucket and congress knows it.
David Parrish

I completely disagree with the notion that it is too early in the game. Now is the time to set the bar and make sure that the bar is only the starting point. Congress can and should withdraw all public funding of Planned Parenthood. The EPA needs a radical trimming and its time to make radical cuts to our foreign aid program. 100 billion is a drop in the bucket and congress knows it.
Denny Converse

Come on you guys, don’t let us down now, just because you got elected! Reach around your waist with either arm and see if you still can feel a series of segmented bones connected together that provides strength, form, and protection for one of the main components of the central nervous system. These bones called vertebra comprise the backbone that distinguishes mammals from other inferior life forms. Without these budget cuts, don ‘t be surprised if we don’t return one day to an inferior life form. Keep the faith for at least a 100 billion budget cut the first 90 days and move on from there.
Denny Converse

Come on you guys, don’t let us down now, just because you got elected! Reach around your waist with either arm and see if you still can feel a series of segmented bones connected together that provides strength, form, and protection for one of the main components of the central nervous system. These bones called vertebra comprise the backbone that distinguishes mammals from other inferior life forms. Without these budget cuts, don ‘t be surprised if we don’t return one day to an inferior life form. Keep the faith for at least a 100 billion budget cut the first 90 days and move on from there.
Judith Weiss

I am disappointed with our Reps. in Congress but I also am realistic enough to know that these guys are having tremendous pressures to deal with. I am willing to cut them a little slack but I would like to hear why Paul Ryan has reduced the cuts to

I am realistic enough to know that the Reps. can’t work miracles when they are up against Obama and a democratic controlled Senate. I would like to know why Paul Ryan has reduced the cuts to $58 billion. Hope he will give us an explanation and a promise that the Reps. will not go wobbly on us.
Judith Weiss

I am disappointed with our Reps. in Congress but I also am realistic enough to know that these guys are having tremendous pressures to deal with. I am willing to cut them a little slack but I would like to hear why Paul Ryan has reduced the cuts to

I am realistic enough to know that the Reps. can’t work miracles when they are up against Obama and a democratic controlled Senate. I would like to know why Paul Ryan has reduced the cuts to $58 billion. Hope he will give us an explanation and a promise that the Reps. will not go wobbly on us.
Penny Garrett

Keep your word and cut the spending promised or get out. We expect you to keep your word or your will go along with the ones we kicked out in November.
Penny Garrett

Keep your word and cut the spending promised or get out. We expect you to keep your word or your will go along with the ones we kicked out in November.
John Wiant

If this keeps up, I may need to start suggesting we all go to http://www.GOOOH.com all over again; they are still out there and still working to replace career politicians with WE the PEOPLE.
John Wiant

If this keeps up, I may need to start suggesting we all go to http://www.GOOOH.com all over again; they are still out there and still working to replace career politicians with WE the PEOPLE.
Carl

Hold their feet to the FIRE. Not one quarter less than 100 Billion and math is my strong suit. No I will not compromise and yes I believe if they fail to do it in 2012 they will need replaced. Bring on the primary’s and get some honest folks in office.
Carl

Hold their feet to the FIRE. Not one quarter less than 100 Billion and math is my strong suit. No I will not compromise and yes I believe if they fail to do it in 2012 they will need replaced. Bring on the primary’s and get some honest folks in office.
Lclankford

Cut cut across the entire Board including Federal Budget each and every division big and small 15%-20% like the PEOPLE we don’t have free Mtg.s electric,water, food, or you’ll all need to go in 2012 all all new from LIAR House Down !!!!
- http://www.bing.com/ Ruvell
  
  AETqCj That’s really thinking out of the box. Thanks!
- http://emtfsyxkzetc.com/ bhndtne
  
  BOtUd9 uqsouuwtksuk
Lclankford

Cut cut across the entire Board including Federal Budget each and every division big and small 15%-20% like the PEOPLE we don’t have free Mtg.s electric,water, food, or you’ll all need to go in 2012 all all new from LIAR House Down !!!!
- http://www.bing.com/ Ruvell
  
  AETqCj That’s really thinking out of the box. Thanks!
- http://emtfsyxkzetc.com/ bhndtne
  
  BOtUd9 uqsouuwtksuk
Bob

I am getting to be what you young pups call a senior citizen, and am getting extermely tired of politics as usual. I am a retired military man, who swore many times to support and defend the constitution (which I am still obliged to do under the UCMJ). Too bad that the status quo (politicians) do not take this oath seriously, especially the idiot in the whitehouse. I am not a bigot, went through race relations in the Navy, and my best buddy was a black man (Can you imagine that?)
Bob

I am getting to be what you young pups call a senior citizen, and am getting extermely tired of politics as usual. I am a retired military man, who swore many times to support and defend the constitution (which I am still obliged to do under the UCMJ). Too bad that the status quo (politicians) do not take this oath seriously, especially the idiot in the whitehouse. I am not a bigot, went through race relations in the Navy, and my best buddy was a black man (Can you imagine that?)
juswonderin

I hear EVERYONE talk about social security, medicare & defense cuts. I KNOW FOR A FACT that all of these issues are important to a LOT of people that are or will be retired. All I hear about the middle class & the wealthy; where does that leave the poor & disabled? I have had to retire by being forced into it by my previous employer. There are no jobs for someone that can’t stand or walk very well, especially, if they’re senior citizens. There are many other ways to cut the budget than to cut the seniors & disabled. I raised my son as a single mother…which forced me to have to work 2 jobs when I was younger, just to have food & shelter provided for myself & my son. I had NO resources to “put away” a savings accout or retirement fund. I did that so that I wouldn’t have to go on the government rolls for support. Now that I’m old, not in good health trying very hard to live a decent life…not extravagant. Social Security is the only income I have to live on…about $900 a month. I cannot afford to pay rent, gas for my car for dr appts, car insurance, food, clothing, utilities and have anything left over to “put aside.” I’ve worked since I was 15 & paid into the “entitlements for many yrs. Now that I’m almost 68, I cannot get a raise or a break. In the area that I live the unemployment is very high & taxes are extremely high. We have the privilage of being the 2nd highest taxes in the country. I think it’s outrageous that everything is costing more, but I’m not getting more because my government says there is NO inflation going on. So, I guess this is how it will make more sense to just “put us down” so to speak & get us out of the way. For one thing, we need to stop funding the National Endowment of the Arts, Planned Parenthood, ACLU, and spending money on such ridiculous things like studying the sex life of some insect, or a tunnel for the turtles to cross to the other side. That’s just a few issues that could & should be cut. Also, if we’re in such dire straights financially, WHY prey tell are our politicians demanding to support the ILLEGALS with all the benefits that are meant for our OWN CITIZENS?? That should be the FIRST cut & maybe our doctors & hospitals will be able to stay in business. The trouble with the drug cartels seem to be targeting Americans by killing them, even on our own soil. If that’s not an invasion of our country, I don’t know what is & this administration is pushing hard to allow the illegals to continue to come across & get a green card, & all the benefits that are available to them. Our schools have become loaded with their children, they use the ER for common colds, have special classes for them & that’s why most of the food pantries are almost bare from the illegals. I’m not targeting only the Mexicans, but the Columbians, Russians, Mid-easterns and any other illegals! There are other ways & places that can be cut, but now with all the turmoil in Egypt, we need our defense dept beefed up, not cut!! Otherwise, just close it all down & cut to the chase & let all the thugs in to do as they will.
- shortyfromtn.
  
  Justwonderin has a point.. I realize that Medicare & Medicaid need reform but for starters, there are MANY areas that can and should be cut or eliminated altogether which would come close to balancing our budget.
  She is absolutely right about securing our borders and eliminating all entiteliments for “any” illegal. If we cut their entiteliments, why would they want to stay or even come here. Any immigrant should have to go through the process of legal entry into this country. We have too many unemployed Americans who desperately need the jobs taken by illegals. I’m sure we have, [and if we don't, we should have,] some system that shows a person came here legally before being employed or receiving any entitelments!!!
  Many govt. projects and agencies should be cut, defunded or eliminated. Too many to list, but the Republicans know what cuts and eliminations need to be made and if they’re serious about balancing tou budget and reducing the debt, they will have the guts to begin making them immediately!! Time is running out to save the US from bankruptcy.
  First of all, they should keep their promise to REPEAL Obamacare. If repeal is not passed by the Senate, or if it does vote to repeal and it is vetoed by Obama, then it should be defunded in it’s entirety, not just parts of it.
  When the appropriate cuts and eliminations are made, then start work on Medicare, Medicaid, & Social Security as these will be tough and time consuming processes.
  This is off topic but Congress should ALWAYS be aware and defensive against radical muslims entering our country!! They have already vowed to infiltrate America and that Sharia law will be the law of the land…This can not be allowed to happen. This is just as important as preventing our nation from going bankrupt, AT LEAST TO ME IT IS!!! Just think about living under Shaira law in which eventually, you will be forced to convert to the Muslim religion or suffer the consequences.[ and I use the word religion loosely.]
juswonderin

I hear EVERYONE talk about social security, medicare & defense cuts. I KNOW FOR A FACT that all of these issues are important to a LOT of people that are or will be retired. All I hear about the middle class & the wealthy; where does that leave the poor & disabled? I have had to retire by being forced into it by my previous employer. There are no jobs for someone that can’t stand or walk very well, especially, if they’re senior citizens. There are many other ways to cut the budget than to cut the seniors & disabled. I raised my son as a single mother…which forced me to have to work 2 jobs when I was younger, just to have food & shelter provided for myself & my son. I had NO resources to “put away” a savings accout or retirement fund. I did that so that I wouldn’t have to go on the government rolls for support. Now that I’m old, not in good health trying very hard to live a decent life…not extravagant. Social Security is the only income I have to live on…about $900 a month. I cannot afford to pay rent, gas for my car for dr appts, car insurance, food, clothing, utilities and have anything left over to “put aside.” I’ve worked since I was 15 & paid into the “entitlements for many yrs. Now that I’m almost 68, I cannot get a raise or a break. In the area that I live the unemployment is very high & taxes are extremely high. We have the privilage of being the 2nd highest taxes in the country. I think it’s outrageous that everything is costing more, but I’m not getting more because my government says there is NO inflation going on. So, I guess this is how it will make more sense to just “put us down” so to speak & get us out of the way. For one thing, we need to stop funding the National Endowment of the Arts, Planned Parenthood, ACLU, and spending money on such ridiculous things like studying the sex life of some insect, or a tunnel for the turtles to cross to the other side. That’s just a few issues that could & should be cut. Also, if we’re in such dire straights financially, WHY prey tell are our politicians demanding to support the ILLEGALS with all the benefits that are meant for our OWN CITIZENS?? That should be the FIRST cut & maybe our doctors & hospitals will be able to stay in business. The trouble with the drug cartels seem to be targeting Americans by killing them, even on our own soil. If that’s not an invasion of our country, I don’t know what is & this administration is pushing hard to allow the illegals to continue to come across & get a green card, & all the benefits that are available to them. Our schools have become loaded with their children, they use the ER for common colds, have special classes for them & that’s why most of the food pantries are almost bare from the illegals. I’m not targeting only the Mexicans, but the Columbians, Russians, Mid-easterns and any other illegals! There are other ways & places that can be cut, but now with all the turmoil in Egypt, we need our defense dept beefed up, not cut!! Otherwise, just close it all down & cut to the chase & let all the thugs in to do as they will.
- shortyfromtn.
  
  Justwonderin has a point.. I realize that Medicare & Medicaid need reform but for starters, there are MANY areas that can and should be cut or eliminated altogether which would come close to balancing our budget.
  She is absolutely right about securing our borders and eliminating all entiteliments for “any” illegal. If we cut their entiteliments, why would they want to stay or even come here. Any immigrant should have to go through the process of legal entry into this country. We have too many unemployed Americans who desperately need the jobs taken by illegals. I’m sure we have, [and if we don't, we should have,] some system that shows a person came here legally before being employed or receiving any entitelments!!!
  Many govt. projects and agencies should be cut, defunded or eliminated. Too many to list, but the Republicans know what cuts and eliminations need to be made and if they’re serious about balancing tou budget and reducing the debt, they will have the guts to begin making them immediately!! Time is running out to save the US from bankruptcy.
  First of all, they should keep their promise to REPEAL Obamacare. If repeal is not passed by the Senate, or if it does vote to repeal and it is vetoed by Obama, then it should be defunded in it’s entirety, not just parts of it.
  When the appropriate cuts and eliminations are made, then start work on Medicare, Medicaid, & Social Security as these will be tough and time consuming processes.
  This is off topic but Congress should ALWAYS be aware and defensive against radical muslims entering our country!! They have already vowed to infiltrate America and that Sharia law will be the law of the land…This can not be allowed to happen. This is just as important as preventing our nation from going bankrupt, AT LEAST TO ME IT IS!!! Just think about living under Shaira law in which eventually, you will be forced to convert to the Muslim religion or suffer the consequences.[ and I use the word religion loosely.]
john

one branch can kill a bill (the president can) and (the senante can). The house should do it’s job. propose a budget (only) that we can afford! be the responsible branch of the government. Tie the repeal and defunding of obama care to that bill.
john

one branch can kill a bill (the president can) and (the senante can). The house should do it’s job. propose a budget (only) that we can afford! be the responsible branch of the government. Tie the repeal and defunding of obama care to that bill.
Spacemom

Keep on cutting. We all must stick to our budgets so should the government.
Spacemom

Keep on cutting. We all must stick to our budgets so should the government.
Bill & Janet Williamson

Do what you said you would do!!! Nothing else is ACCEPTABLE!!!
Bill & Janet Williamson

Do what you said you would do!!! Nothing else is ACCEPTABLE!!!
Edie Reagan

Oh Yea, and who will you replace with a commie progressive.
Edie Reagan

Oh Yea, and who will you replace with a commie progressive.
Vincent Gesiskie

Good to read in newspaper Defense Secretary Robert Gates said “Pentagon would not buy the second engine for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter by Lockheed Martin Corp as there is no need for it”. It was to be produced in congressional districts represented by members of Congress on key committees ?? Waste that costs Billions $$??
Vincent Gesiskie

Good to read in newspaper Defense Secretary Robert Gates said “Pentagon would not buy the second engine for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter by Lockheed Martin Corp as there is no need for it”. It was to be produced in congressional districts represented by members of Congress on key committees ?? Waste that costs Billions $$??