Weekly Columns
Since our nation’s birth more than 237 years ago, generations of Americans have celebrated the right to hold and voice a variety of opinions and beliefs. There are few places where this reality is displayed more clearly than in the legislative process, both at home in Oklahoma and in our nation’s capital. As you might watch during floor debates, committee hearings or even during an interview on TV or radio, it can sometimes be easier to disagree than to agree. While discussion in government is important, it’s more important for that dialogue to actually lead to solutions.
In order to overcome our nation’s serious economic challenges, we must have a real plan with real reforms. Upon release of the “Path to Prosperity” budget blueprint for fiscal year 2015, Chairman Paul Ryan and the House Budget Committee again shared a positive vision for the nation’s future. This marks the fourth consecutive year that we have offered solutions that actually address our more than $17 trillion of debt and set forth a path to achieve balance.
When you have car trouble, you first look at the nature and complexity of the problem. If you’re lucky, your car might only need some minor tweaks like replacing the battery or putting more air in the tires. But on some unfortunate occasions, your mechanic might recommend an expensive overhaul or buying a completely new car. Based on the situation, you must weigh your options and decide if it’s cost-effective, beneficial and even possible to repair the vehicle. Otherwise, sometimes the best solution and only lasting solution is a replacement.
Over the last several months, the world has watched an unraveling situation between Ukraine, Russia and the peninsula of Crimea. The struggle reached a boiling point last month when protestors overthrew the corrupt leadership of Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych, who was collaborating with Russian President Vladimir Putin and intending to force greater ties between the two countries—in direct opposition to the majority of Ukrainians who prefer closer ties to the European Union (EU).
Last week, President Obama’s budget for fiscal year 2015 was officially released. Unfortunately, the proposal was yet another display of his refusal to tackle the serious fiscal issues of our day. Rather than recommend ways to slow down federal spending, the president instead presented a budget blueprint that would allow the government to grow even larger, impose a greater tax burden on hardworking families and still never achieve balance.
Last month, President Obama filed his annual budget blueprint for fiscal year 2015. While the contents of his proposal have been a major topic of discussion in the news since then, its official release on March 4 will determine the next steps for lawmakers, who must work together to ultimately find a common agreement.
Throughout my tenure in Congress, I have been a strong supporter of Israel and its right to exist. Like the United States, Israel is committed to living peaceably, fighting terrorism, defending freedom and protecting democracy. As we remain grounded in similar ideals and aware of the threats in our midst, we must continue fostering our relationship with Israel, our valuable friend and only democratic ally in the Middle East.
Like a person’s credit card limit, the debt ceiling is not meant to be reached or exceeded. If the nation approaches or reaches the debt ceiling, it should signal lawmakers and the president to deal with the debt, not add to it.
We are a nation that embraces hard work and opportunity. Since our founding more than 237 years ago, American trailblazers have shown time and again that success is possible in our great land—a promise that has been passed on to each and every generation.