Weekly Columns
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.
As President Theodore Roosevelt once wrote, “I have a very strong feeling that it is a president’s duty to get on with Congress if he possibly can, and that it is a reflection upon him if he and Congress come to a complete break.”