Rob Wittman Statement on State of the Union Address: Questions proposals adding to the deficit

Washington, DC – Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-1) released the following statement tonight following the President’s state of the Union Address: “The President’s address failed to look beyond the “Washington” state of mind by suggesting more deficit spending to fix our economy. A partial freeze of the current out-of-control spending levels is not true reform, it is simply a continuation of bad spending habits in Washington. The bad policies that led to the current deficit and the highest debt in U.S. history? That's not change.

As elected leaders, we need to make tough decisions about cutting spending, not spend more. That's why I voted today to cut spending levels back to fiscal year 2008 levels. We cannot afford to add to the huge deficit already burdening our economy. The focus for our country’s future, both short and long term, is jobs; getting people back to work and government getting out of the way. With that we can allow the true solutions to shine: the Americans outside of Washington, DC. We must not stake our hope in the size of government, but in those hardworking Americans working for their American Dream.

“And though we may disagree on policy, tonight will hold a special place in my memory. Members wore black and white ribbons proudly, to honor the victims, our colleague, Gabrielle Giffords, and those lost and wounded in the attack in Arizona less than three weeks ago. In the House Chamber tonight, we sat among heroes in the gallery of the House of Representatives. It was humbling to see the heroes of the Arizona tragedy, and the families who have suffered because of senseless violence. Tonight, we felt their strength; we felt their resolve. Their courage inspires us to keep on, to work towards a better future for our nation.” ###

TEXT CREDIT: wittman.house.gov Washington D.C. Office 1317 Longworth House Office Building • Washington, DC 20515 • Phone: (202) 225-4261 • Fax: (202) 225-4382

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