E-Newsletter

From billions to trillions

This week Congress passed a Continuing Resolution (CR) to fund the government through the remainder of fiscal year 2011. After much deliberation, I made the decision to vote against the bill. While this CR is a step in the right direction and cuts nearly $40 billion, I was not comfortable with the overall size of the cuts. I do appreciate the work of Speaker Boehner and the Republican leadership in these negotiations. But, I believe the President and the Senate need to wake up and understand that small steps will not lead us away from the edge of the cliff of financial ruin.  They have failed to recognize the seriousness of the problem. The President and the Senate need to understand that I, and many others, came to Congress to make significant changes in the way Washington handles your tax dollars.

The House also passed a budget blueprint for fiscal year 2012. The Ryan budget, which I supported, would serve as a blueprint for the appropriations bills that ultimately fund the government and sets hard limits for spending. While the CR was a small step, this budget is a stride in the right direction. The spending debate has finally shifted from cutting billions to trillions; a direction in which we need be going.

It’s no secret that our government is out of money. This year’s deficit is expected to be around $1.5 trillion, which is more than 10 percent of our total debt. We cannot continue to spend money we do not have. It’s time for the government to tighten its belt just like families do during hard financial times. I will not condemn my children and your children to a life of debt, deficit, and despair.

In addition to working on spending cuts, I participated in two Energy and Power Subcommittee hearings this week. Whether it’s manufacturing or oil production, burdensome EPA regulations have forced many businesses to operate in other countries. Many of these nations, like China, Russia, or Mexico, have few or no environmental regulations. Two separate witnesses testified in hearings this week that they believe sending these jobs abroad will actually make the air quality in the U.S. worse. We send them our jobs; in return, they send us dirty air. A better solution for American businesses and families would be for the EPA to implement common sense regulations and reasonable timetables for businesses to comply with, which would continue to improve our air quality and keep jobs in America.

As we continue to clean up the mess in Washington, Pulaski County is cleaning up after two tornados that touched down near Draper and Pulaski last week. Following the storms, I toured the area and saw firsthand the destruction. While the damage was extensive, I am thankful there was no loss of life and only minor injuries. I am proud of the community as they have come together, helping and supporting one another.  My continued thoughts and prayers are with those affected by these storms.

Next week, I will be making many stops throughout the 9th District. As always, I look forward to hearing from my constituents on issues facing our nation. If you have concerns or wish to inquire about legislative issues, feel free to contact my Abingdon office at 276-525-1405 or my Christiansburg office at 540-381-5671. To reach my office via email, please visit www.morgangriffith.house.gov.