Presidential Republican Debate In Iowa on Fox News 08/11/11 FULL DEBATE STREAMING VIDEO

Presidential Republican Debate In Iowa on Fox News 08/11/11 FULL DEBATE STREAMING VIDEO

The Iowa Republican presidential debate on Thursday 08/11/11, sponsored by The Washington Examiner and Fox News.

The candidates:

Herman Cain

Jon Huntsman

Michele Bachmann

Mitt Romney

Newt Gingrich

Rick Santorum

Ron Paul

Tim Pawlenty

VIDEO CREDIT: Vote4Paul2012

Iowa Republican presidential debate Closing Arguments 08/11/11 VIDEO

Republican Rivals Make Closing Arguments in Iowa Aug 11, 2011 - VIDEO 6:10 - GOP candidates make presidential pitch.

The Iowa Republican presidential debate on Thursday 08/11/11, sponsored by The Washington Examiner and Fox News.

The candidates:

Herman Cain

Jon Huntsman

Michele Bachmann

Mitt Romney

Newt Gingrich

Rick Santorum

Ron Paul

Tim Pawlenty

VIDEO and IMAGE CREDIT: FoxNews.com

Michele Bachmann, Tim Pawlenty Trade Shots Fox News Republican presidential debate Iowa 08/11/11 VIDEO

Michele Bachmann, Tim Pawlenty Trade Shots Fox News Republican presidential debate Iowa 08/11/11 VIDEO

VIDEO and IMAGE CREDIT: FoxNews.com

John Boehner announces his intent to appoint Jeb Hensarling, Dave Camp and Fred Upton to the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction

House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) today announced his intent to appoint the following three lawmakers to represent House Republicans on the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction:

House Republican Conference Chairman Jeb Hensarling (R-TX)
House Ways & Means Committee Chairman Dave Camp (R-MI)
House Energy & Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI)

Speaker Boehner has tapped Chairman Hensarling to serve as a co-chair of the joint select committee. Boehner issued the following statement regarding the appointments of Chairmen Hensarling, Camp, and Upton:

“Our debt and deficits are a threat to our economy, and America cannot achieve long-term job growth until we take action to address this crisis. In the weeks ahead, a serious, bipartisan committee of lawmakers will begin the hard but necessary work of making the tough choices needed to rein in mandatory and entitlement spending, which are the drivers of our debt. The lawmakers I have appointed to serve on this joint committee are proven leaders who have earned the trust and confidence of their colleagues and constituents. They understand the gravity of our debt crisis and I appreciate their willingness to serve on this panel.

“The two parties have fundamental differences about government and its proper role in our society. Where we've been able to agree, we have acted, and in a way consistent with the American people’s desire for a smaller, less costly, and more accountable government. Still, the differences remain, and so does the urgent work of returning our economy to creating jobs and lifting the crushing burden of debt that threatens our children’s future. This joint committee presents an opportunity for both parties to bring to the table their best ideas, debate them on the merits, and ultimately come together to do what’s best for our country. With all that’s at stake, I expect that the joint select committee will conduct its work in the open and transparent manner the American people deserve.”

TEXT CREDIT: Speaker of the House John Boehner Contact: H-232 The Capitol Washington, DC 20515 P (202) 225-0600 F (202) 225-5117

IMAGE CREDIT: JohnBoehner

Iowa Republican presidential debate Fox News Washington Examiner LIVE STREAM VIDEO 08/11/11

UPDATE: Presidential Republican Debate In Iowa on Fox News 08/11/11 FULL DEBATE STREAMING VIDEO

Live Streaming Video via FoxNews.com. coverage begins at 8:45 p.m. ET. (5:45 p.m. PT) with the debate scheduled from 9 to 11:00 p.m. EDT. Mobile phone viewing, the live stream can also be seen via Fox News iPhone and iPad app and Droid app

Republican presidential primary contenders faced off Monday, June 13 in the first New Hampshire debate of the season presented by CNN, Hearst Television’s WMUR, and the New Hampshire Union Leader, voters had opportunities to question the candidates in person and online.

The Iowa Republican presidential debate on Thursday 08/11/11, sponsored by The Washington Examiner and Fox News. LIVE STREAM VIDEO 08/11/11

The candidates:

Herman Cain

Jon Huntsman

Michele Bachmann

Mitt Romney

Newt Gingrich

Rick Santorum

Ron Paul

Tim Pawlenty

The debate, which will be moderated by Fox News anchor Bret Baier, with 3 other panelists, Fox News’ Chris Wallace, Byron York, The Washington Examiner chief political correspondent and Susan Ferrechio The Washington Examiner’s chief congressional correspondent.

Rob Portman issued the following statement today regarding his appointment to the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction

Portman Statement on Appointment to Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-Ohio), former head of the of the Office of Management and Budget, and a Member of the Senate Budget Committee, issued the following statement today regarding his appointment to the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction:

“I am honored to answer the call to serve on the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction and will work hard to ensure that meaningful spending cuts are made to reduce our deficits, change the trajectory of Washington's record high debt, and to encourage economic growth and job creation. With the U.S. debt now equal to 100% of the GDP, Washington cannot continue to kick the can down the road again. Not only does Washington’s out of control spending have a long-term impact on America’s economic stability, but it has an immediate impact on our ability to generate jobs and opportunity.”

TEXT CREDIT: Rob Portman DC Washington, DC 338 Russell Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510 Phone: 202-224-3353

IMAGE CREDIT: SenRobPortman

Pat Toomey issued the following statement on announcement that he will be selected to serve on the super committee created by the Budget Control Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) issued the following statement on the announcement that he will be selected to serve on the super committee created by the Budget Control Act:

"I am deeply honored for the opportunity to serve on this bipartisan committee and to be part of the important work we will be doing. In light of last week's events, with the nation's credit downgrade and the deep drop in the markets, it is all the more imperative that this committee do its job effectively and come up with a product that both tackles our debt crisis and can help revive our failing economy.

"Despite the difficulties ahead, I am committed to tackling this challenge and am hopeful that we can produce a proposal that seriously reduces our nation's deficits and grows our economy. Throughout the debate over the debt ceiling, I stressed that we need a solution that achieves the dual goals of putting our government on a path toward a balance budget, and maximizing economic growth and enabling us to create the jobs we badly need. I remain committed to both of these vital goals."

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell issued the following statement regarding his selection of Sen. Toomey:

"From his first day in the U.S. Senate, Sen. Toomey has demonstrated a deep understanding of fiscal matters and is a leader on budget and deficit issues. He drafted a budget proposal that was widely supported by the Republican caucus and was actively involved in the recent debt limit debate. His years of experience in the financial sector and on the House Budget Committee will also serve him well in his new role, along with an unwavering commitment to the principles of limited government and fiscal responsibility. The American people know that we cannot dig ourselves out of this situation by nibbling around the edges, and I am confident that the Senate Republican appointments to the joint committee can be counted on to propose solutions that put the interests of all Americans ahead of any one political party."

TEXT and IMAGE CREDIT: Pat Toomey Senator for Pennsylvania Washington, D.C. 502 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 Phone: (202) 224-4254 Fax: (202) 228-0284

President Obama puts dog off his feed VIDEO

President Obama puts dog off his feed VIDEO. When this dog gets fed treats, he will eat them as long as they are from mom or dad. Not President Obama

VIDEO CREDIT: WhatTheFwafa

John Boehner released the following statement in response to the President’s remarks today Deficit Reduction and Jobs :

Aug 8, 2011 Washington - Congressman John Boehner (R-West Chester) released the following statement in response to the President’s remarks today:

“I agree with the President that we did not need a ratings agency to tell us America is facing a debt crisis. Uncontrolled spending over decades – by both parties – has created an environment of economic uncertainty that is destroying jobs. And just as both parties contributed to our unsustainable debt, both parties must work now to cut spending. Republicans have demonstrated this problem can be solved without job-destroying tax hikes. We passed a budget that would spend $6.2 trillion less than the President’s proposal; we passed a Cut, Cap, and Balance plan that would save trillions of dollars; and, with the Budget Control Act, we passed a meaningful down payment on deficit reduction – all without tax increases. But difficult work remains, and over the next few months members of the Joint Select Committee will need to make tough choices to rein in the mandatory and entitlement spending that is driving our long-term debt. It is welcome news that the President will contribute to this process by laying out specific reforms he supports.

“As we are reminded today, this challenge is ultimately about jobs and our economy. Providing economic certainty and creating an environment in which businesses can invest and jobs can flourish must remain our number-one focus. That’s why raising taxes is simply the wrong approach. I look forward to working with leaders of both parties to reduce spending, boost confidence, and give American small businesses the stability they need to create jobs.”

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TEXT CREDIT: Speaker of the House John Boehner Contact: H-232 The Capitol Washington, DC 20515 P (202) 225-0600 F (202) 225-5117

IMAGE CREDIT: JohnBoehner

Jeb Hensarling Weekly Republican Address TEXT PODCAST VIDEO 07/22/11

Podcast of the address: Download MP3 for PODCAST || FULL TEXT TRANSCRIPT BELOW. || Download Video MPEG Video || MP4 Video

Washington (Jul 22) Delivering the Weekly Republican Address, Rep. Jeb Hensarling (R-TX) discusses Republicans’ continued efforts to create a better environment for private sector job creation and address America’s debt crisis. Earlier this week, the Republican-led House passed ‘cut, cap, and balance’ legislation that cuts spending, promotes private sector job growth, and avoids a government default. The measure received bipartisan backing in the House and strong support from the American people. Rep. Hensarling is chairman of the House Republican Conference. Following is the full text of the address.

“Hello, I’m Congressman Jeb Hensarling of Texas and I serve as the chairman of the House Republican Conference.

“You know, unfortunately, every day we hear about some friend or some neighbor who just got laid off or still can’t find a job. The Obama Administration promised its ‘stimulus’ plan would help keep unemployment below eight percent. And instead, unemployment has been above eight percent for 29 straight months, the longest such stretch since the Great Depression. 14 million of our fellow citizens remain out of work. So is it any surprise that the number one question in America remains, ‘where are the jobs?’

“You know, by and large, it’s a lack of confidence in our nation’s future that’s holding our economy back, whether it’s uncertainty about our national debt, uncertainty about taxes, uncertainty about all the regulations and mandates that just keep pouring out of Washington. Small business owners are pleading for the government to stop the reckless spending, balance the budget, and then just get out of the way.

“That’s why the Republican-led House is focused on removing government barriers to private-sector job growth – the kind of growth the President promised with his ‘stimulus’ but failed to deliver. As part of our Plan for America’s Job Creators, we’ve passed a series of jobs bills to cut wasteful Washington spending, rein in needless red tape, and increase American energy production. Our plan includes the budget, written by Chairman Paul Ryan and the Budget Committee that actually pays down our debt over time and paves a path to prosperity and economic growth.
“We Americans are the best entrepreneurs and workers in the world. Given a level playing field, we can compete and win against anyone, anywhere, anytime. But not as long as the policies coming out of Washington remain harmful to jobs. What we need to do is get government out of the way so our economy can get back to creating jobs.

“That’s what makes this debate we’re having about America’s fiscal future so important. Our government has gotten so big, so expensive it’s keeping our economy from recovering as it should. Job creators are fearful that our $14 trillion debt is going to lead to higher taxes, which could harm their businesses and destroy even more jobs.

“Just this week the co-founder of Home Depot, Bernie Marcus, when he was asked what’s the ‘single biggest impediment to job growth,’ he answered: ‘The U.S. government.’ He went on to say: ‘If we don’t lower spending and if we don’t deal with paying down the debt, we are going to have to raise taxes ... [and ] when you raise taxes, you cost jobs.’ This sentiment is echoed by small business people and entrepreneurs from coast to coast.

The American people have long since said, ‘It’s time to quit spending money we don’t have. It’s time to stop borrowing 42 cents on the dollar – much of it from the Chinese – and then sending the bill to our children and grandchildren.’

“Credit rating agencies have spelled out the consequences of failing to heed this message, warning that even if we’re able to avoid any type of default, that may very well downgrade our status unless we take serious action to get our fiscal house in order.

“That’s why the House this week passed ‘cut, cap, and balance’ legislation.

“First, the legislation immediately cuts government spending to 2008 levels. You know, I just haven’t really met anybody who thought government was too small before President Obama became president.

“Second, it puts caps in place to ensure government spending is put on a glide path to be no more than 20 percent of our economy, as it has been on average since World War II.

“Last, but not least, it amends the Constitution to balance the budget once and for all. Every family, small business, and almost every state has to balance their budget. Why should the federal government be any different? And our plan accomplishes this without imposing job-crushing tax hikes.

“Now unfortunately, the Democratic-led Senate tabled this common-sense measure despite the fact it received bipartisan backing in the House and overwhelming support from the American people.

“You know, the Democrats who run Washington are pretty good at telling us what they’re against, but they have yet to put a plan on the table that tells us what they’re for. Speeches and press releases won’t do the trick. It’s time for some action. Senator Reid, if you don’t like our plan to deal with the debt crisis, where is your plan? Mr. President, if you don’t like our plan to deal with the debt crisis, where is your plan?

“If we’re going to avoid any type of default and downgrade – if we’re going to resume job creation in America – the president and his allies need to listen to the people and work with Republicans to cut up the credit cards once and for all.

“It’s time to ‘cut, cap, and balance.’ That’s what will give us jobs, hope, and opportunity. Thank you for listening.”

VIDEO and IMAGE CREDIT: HouseConference

TEXT CREDIT: Speaker of the House John Boehner Contact H-232 The Capitol Washington, DC 20515 P (202) 225-0600 F (202) 225-5117

AUDIO / VIDEO FILES CREDIT: The House Republican Conference - Digital Communications visual.media@mail.house.gov 202-225-5439

Bob Corker Praises House for Passing Cut, Cap, and Balance, Calls on Senate to Do the Same VIDEO

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bob Corker, R-Tenn., an original co-sponsor of S.1340, the Cut, Cap, and Balance Act of 2011, praised the House for passing their version of the bill and called on the Senate to do the same.

“This legislation puts on paper what I’ve been pushing from day one of the 112th Congress: we need spending cuts now, a long-term plan like the CAP Act to put a fiscal straitjacket on Congress, and a constitutional amendment to keep Congress from falling off the wagon as it relates to over-spending,” Corker said. “Now, more than 813 days since the Senate passed a budget, we must put enforceable limits on all future spending in a way that encourages economic growth and demonstrates to the American people and the world that we will get our debt and deficits under control.”

The Cut, Cap, and Balance Act, S.1340, would dramatically reduce federal spending as a share of the economy over the next decade by setting enforceable limits on all annual federal spending similar to the Corker CAP Act. It would significantly reduce non-defense discretionary spending in 2012 and require passage of a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution, which Corker and all Senate Republicans have supported separately in S.J. Res 10.

About the Corker CAP Act:

Introduced by Sen. Corker in December 2010, the CAP Act, S. 245, would set an across-the-board, binding cap on all federal spending. The fiscal straitjacket created by the CAP Act would result in $7.6 trillion less spending over a 10 year period. Specifically, the bill would:

(1) Put in place a 10-year glide path to cap all spending – discretionary and mandatory – to a declining percentage of the country’s gross domestic product, eventually bringing spending down from the current level, 24.7 percent of GDP, to the 40-year historical level of 20.6 percent, and

(2) If Congress fails to meet the annual cap, require the Office of Management and Budget to make evenly distributed, simultaneous cuts throughout the federal budget to bring spending down to the pre-determined level. Only a two-thirds vote in both houses of Congress could override the binding cap, and

(3) For the first time, eliminate the deceptive “off-budget” distinction for Social Security – providing a complete and accurate assessment of all federal spending.

Senate sponsors of the CAP Act include: Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.), Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.), Richard Burr (R-N.C.), Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Mark Kirk (R-Ill.), Jon Kyl (R-Ariz.), Joe Lieberman (ID-Conn.), Joe Manchin (D-W.V.) and John McCain (R-Ariz.).

Representatives Jim Cooper (D-TN-5) and Jimmy Duncan (R-TN-2) have introduced a companion version of the bill in the House, which is cosponsored by Diane Black (R-TN-6), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN-7), Scott DesJarlais (R-TN-4), Stephen Fincher (R-TN-8), Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN-3), Jim Renacci (R-OH-16) and Phil Roe (R-TN-1).

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TEXT CREDIT: United States Senator Bob Corker, Tennessee Washington, D.C. United States Senate Dirksen Senate Office Building SD-185 Washington, DC 20510 Main: 202-224-3344 Fax: 202-228-0566

VIDEO and IMAGE CREDIT: senatorcorker

Cut, Cap and Balance: Today The American People Will Now Know Where We Stand VIDEO

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following statement on the Senate floor Friday regarding a vote on a Democrat proposal to table the Cut, Cap and Balance bill. The Cut, Cap and Balance bill would cut government spending now, cap it in the future and approve a constitutional amendment to balance the federal budget:

“Five months ago, President Obama unveiled the only concrete statement he’s made to date on our nation’s debt crisis: A 10-year budget plan so preposterous, so unequal to the moment, that it was rejected in the Senate by a vote of 97-0.

“The President’s response to this crisis was to pretend it didn’t exist.

“Two months later, the President doubled down on his vision for a future of debt by demanding that Congress raise the debt limit without any cuts to spending or any plan to rein it in.

“It was a total abdication of leadership, and it wasn’t sustainable.

“So over the past several weeks the President has been doing his best impersonation of a fiscal moderate. He’s talked about balance and left it to others to fill in the blanks.

“And here’s what Democrats in Congress have proposed as a solution: More spending and higher taxes — as the solution to a debt crisis.

“Just yesterday, with the clock ticking, we heard reports of a `volcanic’ eruption among Democrats at the suggestion that we should solve this crisis by focusing on reducing Washington spending.

“The solution to this crisis is not complicated: If you’re spending more money than you’re taking in, you need to spend less money.

“This isn’t rocket science.

“We could solve this problem this morning if Democrats would let us vote on the Cut, Cap, and Balance bill — and join us in backing this legislation that Republicans support.

“But the first step in solving a problem is to admit you have one, and too many Democrats refuse to admit that Washington has a spending problem.

“That’s why Republicans have insisted that we focus on spending in this debate.

“The reason we’ve got a $14 trillion debt is because no matter how much money Washington has, it always spends more — and the only way to cure the problem is to stop enabling it.

“Americans get it.

“And I want to thank every American who’s spoken out in favor of the Cut, Cap, and Balance Plan.

“Today the American people will now know where we stand.

“A vote to table this bill is a vote to ignore this crisis even longer.

“A vote to get on this bill is a vote for getting our house in order

“So I would urge my Democrat colleagues one more time to re-consider their position.

“Join us in support of a future we can afford.”

TEXT CREDIT: U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell Washington Office 317 Russell Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510 Phone: (202) 224-2541 Fax: (202) 224-2499

VIDEO CREDIT: RepublicanLeader

Rand Paul Votes In Favor Of Cut, Cap and Balance Act of 2011

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today Sen. Rand Paul and his Senate colleagues were given the opportunity to vote on the Cut, Cap and Balance Act, following its passage in the House of Representatives. While this proposal for dealing with the debt crisis failed to pass, Sen. Paul, an original co-sponsor of the Cut, Cap and Balance Act, issued the following statement:

"Today 46 Republican Senators joined 234 congressmen of both parties in voting for the only plan that raises the debt ceiling and solves our debt problem - the Cut, Cap and Balance Act."

"This vital bill has the support of nearly 70 percent of Americans and would finally ensure a Balanced Budget Amendment to the Constitution. What it does not yet have is the support of Senate Democrats, who are apparently willing to risk a debt crisis to avoid balancing the budget and end their spending addiction."

"This fight is not over. We have ten more days during which the American people must make their voices heard to Senate Democrats to allow passage of the Cut, Cap and Balance Act.

"This Act would help restore trust in the American people that their Congress can balance a budget and return our nation on the path to prosperity." ###

TEXT CREDIT: Rand Paul | United States Senator Washington, DC 208 Russell Senate Office Building Washington DC, 20510 Phone: 202-224-4343

IMAGE CREDIT: SenatorRandPaul

Despite approaching deadline for raising the debt ceiling, President Obama has yet to produce a concrete plan to address our nation's colossal debt

Despite the fast-approaching deadline for raising the debt ceiling, President Obama has yet to produce a concrete plan to address our nation's colossal debt. Meanwhile, his failed economic policies have left individuals and businesses struggling. Senate Republicans hope the president will stop obstructing real reform and work with Republicans to put in place responsible economic policies to reduce the debt and create an environment where businesses can grow and create jobs.

VIDEO CREDIT: RepublicanSenators

TEXT CREDIT: Senate Republican Conference 405 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510 Telephone: (202) 224-2764 Fax: (202) 228-4276

Congressman Phil Gingrey Applauds House Passage of Cut, Cap, and Balance Act

Washington - Congressman Phil Gingrey, M.D. (R-GA) today issued the following statement in support of the House of Representatives passing the Cut, Cap, and Balance Act: “I am proud to be a co-sponsor of the Cut, Cap, and Balance Act of 2011 and I applaud both my Republican and Democrat colleagues in the House for supporting this legislation to fundamentally change our government’s spending habits. By the end of this year, our national debt will grow larger than our entire economy. The actions set forth in the Cut, Cap, and Balance Act will help to stabilize our economy by enacting long-term spending cuts without raising taxes on over-burdened and hardworking Americans. At a time when struggling families are sacrificing to balance their resources, I am pleased that our federal government is finally doing the same. I urge the President, as well as my Democrat colleagues in the Senate, to immediately take up and approve this historic legislation.”

The House of Representatives passed H.R. 2560, the Cut, Cap, and Balance Act of 2011, by a vote of 234 to 190.

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TEXT and IMAGE CREDIT: gingrey.house.gov/ FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Tuesday, July 19, 2011 Contact: Brooke Sammon 202-225-2931

Congressman Ted Poe (R-TX) introduced the American Land Act

This week, Congressman Ted Poe (R-TX) introduced the American Land Act. This bill would require the Administration to open up nearly 1/4 of the land currently owned by the federal government for sale to the American people. The federal government currently owns 27% (623 million acres) of the total land in the United States. This land is larger than the countries of France, Spain, Germany, Poland, Italy, United Kingdom, Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands and Belgium put together. The proceeds from the sales—potentially $200 billion or more--would be directly applied to reduce the federal budget deficit.

“It is time for the federal government to let Americans own American land. The government cannot afford its massive estate; we need to give up some of our assets so that we can pay our bills, “said Poe. “Allowing Americans to buy American land would provide a way to generate new revenue without new taxes, create new jobs and stimulate economic growth. Transferring ownership of natural resources to the public would also be a more efficient way to utilize our natural assets. This is a common sense solution to reducing the national debt.”

Allowing Americans to purchase 24.3% (174 million acres) of this land would have the potential to generate up to $200 billion or more to pay off the federal budget deficit. The bill does not authorize the sale of land owned by the National Park Service or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

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TEXT and IMAGE CREDIT: Congressman Ted Poe, Serving the 2nd District of Texas Washington, D.C. Office 430 Cannon Building Washington, D.C. 20515 (202) 225-6565 (202) 225-5547 fax (866) 425-6565 toll free

Mike Coffman Statement on Cut, Cap & Balance Debate

(WASHINGTON) – U.S. Rep. Mike Coffman (R-CO), chairman of the Congressional Balanced Budget Amendment Caucus, issued the following statement as the U.S. House of Representatives debates H.R. 2560, the Cut, Cap, and Balance Act of 2011. “The greatest threat to our national security is the reckless out of control spending in Washington, D.C. The power to continue to spend money that we don’t have must be stripped away from congress and the only way to permanently accomplish that is by amending our constitution with a balanced budget requirement.”

“Linking the passage of the balance budget amendment, along with meaningful spending cuts, is the only way to get conservatives like myself to vote for an increase in the debt limit.”

“The balanced budget amendment is not popular among so many Washington politicians who see their power base as their ability to spend without limit in order to buy votes for the next election. Even if the balanced budget amendment doesn’t pass this time around we will have planted the seed for its future passage as our debt crisis deepens.”

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TEXT CREDIT: Congressman Mike Coffman: Washington Office • 1222 Longworth HOB • Washington, D.C. 20515 • Phone: (202) 225-7882 • Fax: (202) 226-4623

IMAGE CREDIT: This work is in the public domain in the United States because it is a work of the United States Federal Government under the terms of Title 17, Chapter 1, Section 105 of the US Code.

Jeb Hensarling Responds to President Obama's Threat to Veto Cut, Cap and Balance Legislation

WASHINGTON – House Republican Conference Chairman Jeb Hensarling (R-Texas) today issued the following response to President Obama’s threat to veto Cut, Cap and Balance legislation the House is scheduled to vote on this week. “I find it incredibly ironic that President Obama is one of the few Americans who think we don’t need a constitutional amendment ‘to do our jobs.’ The point of cutting up the credit cards in order to raise the debt ceiling isn’t to meet his tax and spend demands; it’s to force him to stop spending money we don’t have.

“Since he took office the national debt has increased by $3.7 trillion and here we are, days away from default, and the president still hasn’t given us a plan for how we’re going to tackle this spending-driven debt crisis.

“It took the U.S. from 1776 to 1992 to accumulate the same amount of debt that President Obama accumulated in two and a half years. This is a spending-driven debt crisis, and the solution must be to control spending, not to raise taxes.

“Thomas Jefferson regretted that an amendment to ensure we paid our bills each year was not included in our Constitution. There has never been a more urgent time than now. Our debt crisis is a legitimate threat to the future of our children and grandchildren, and extraordinary problems call for extraordinary action. America cannot afford to wait any longer.”

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TEXT CREDIT: House Republican Conference Press Office email (conferencepress@mail.house.gov)

IMAGE CREDIT: Jeb Hensarling Washington, DC. Office 129 Cannon HOB Washington, DC 20515 Phone: 202-225-3484 Fax: 202-226-4888

Marco Rubio Face the Nation 07/17/11 VIDEO

Marco Rubio: America's problem is debt, not debt limit

2:06 July 17, 2011 Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) spoke with Bob Schieffer on what he truly feels caused the country's current debt crisis and the provisions he feels necessary to be included in a compromise for him to vote on raising the debt ceiling.

TEXT IMAGE and VIDEO CREDIT: "CBS NEWS' FACE THE NATION."

Jim DeMint Meet The Press 07/17/11 VIDEO TEXT

DAVID GREGORY:
Was Senator DeMint, what-- what's going on here? I mean so many people I talk to are frankly disgusted with Washington. You know, you have on the one side people saying that-- that Republicans are-- are just crazy. That they won't negotiate. That they're being unreasonable. That they're denying the prospect of a default. Michelle Bachmann saying it's a misnomer when the Fed chief says it would be economic calamity.

And on the other side you-- you know, you've got Republicans saying, "Look, somebody's got to draw a line in the sand here. It's-- it's the Democrats who have run up-- the debt since President Obama got into office." But the reality is nobody is really willing to compromise and to make a deal.

SENATOR JIM DEMINT:
Well, David, we certainly are willing to compromise. We're willing to give the president an increase in the debt limit. And you'll see the House pass that bill this-- this week. But Senator Durbin and 20 other-- Democrats in the Senator are on record supporting a balanced budget amendment. And that is a place that we have to get to.

But we need to realize, setting all politics aside, that our country is on course for a financial disaster. We can't take another $10 trillion in debt that the president has proposed. So it is absurd to say that we cannot agree that sometime in the next decade that we have to stop spending more than we're bringing in. You'll see in the next week Republicans are more than willing to work with the president.

DAVID GREGORY:
But--

SENATOR JIM DEMINT:
But the only pro-- proposal that the president has sent to Congress, David, is a budget that increases the debt another--

DAVID GREGORY:
All right.

SENATOR JIM DEMINT:
--$10--

DAVID GREGORY:
But-- but--

SENATOR JIM DEMINT:
--trillion.

DAVID GREGORY:
--Senator DeMint.

SENATOR JIM DEMINT:
Not the--

(OVERTALK)

DAVID GREGORY:
Let's be realistic. Bottom line here. If a balanced budget amendment is not passed, which it-- you heard Senator Durbin say it's not going to be passed, will Republicans still vote to raise the debt ceiling? And if not, are you prepared for the consequences on this economy and for the country?

SENATOR JIM DEMINT:
Well, I hope the president won't take us through that. And I hope Senator Durbin won't. But we've got to draw a line in the-- in the sand now, because the day of reckoning is going to come. And the longer we put it off, the bigger the problems are going to be for our country.

I mean Moody's, Standard and Poor, these agencies are telling us if we increase this debt limit without credible and long-term deficit reduction, that they're going to lower our ratings. That means it's going to be harder and more expensive to borrow money and we can't borrow another $10 trillion that the president's proposed.

DAVID GREGORY:
Right. But Senator--

SENATOR JIM DEMINT:
Again--

(OVERTALK)

DAVID GREGORY:
--I'm sorry. I'm not getting an answer, though. But what-- what's going to happen? How does this end? I know what your position is. How does this end? Are you saying that you would put the country into default by not raising the debt ceiling unless you get this balanced budget amendment?

SENATOR JIM DEMINT:
Well, David, we're not going to default. And if you listen to your previous guest, he said we won't meet some obligations, but he didn't say we were going to default. I don't want to put the country through that, but the fact is Republicans and Democrats have been irresponsible. They've brought our debt to the point where we literally can't borrow much more money without bankrupting our country.

So now is the time for the president, Senator Durbin and the Democrats to work with us and at least agree that we can make some cuts now and-- and cap spending over 10 years and let the states decide if sometime over the next decade that we'll balance our budget.

DAVID GREGORY:
You know, Sen--

SENATOR JIM DEMINT:
That's hardly a radical idea.

TEXT IMAGE and VIDEO CREDIT: Meet The Press