Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Isakson Statement on State of the Union

'The American People Spoke Loud and Clear in November: They Wanted Congress to Rein In Spending'

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., tonight issued the following statement following President Obama's State of the Union address:

"The American people spoke loud and clear in November: They wanted Congress to rein in spending, they didn't want us to mortgage their children's future and they wanted to make sure the debt and deficit are reduced. It was clear.

"I'm disappointed the President is politically cherry-picking budget items to take off the table, such as Social Security. I think we have to take the Debt Commission and their recommendation in its totality and debate all of it. There are parts that I don't like and there may be parts that the President doesn't like but we have a comprehensive problem that requires a comprehensive solution. Everything should be on the table.

"I am working hard on solutions. Senator Shaheen from New Hampshire and I are introducing this week the Biennial Budgeting and Appropriations Act, which I have sponsored for the last six years and the Debt Commission recommended it as the number one process solution to the spending problem we have in Washington. It is my sincere hope that if we can go to the business of appropriating in odd numbered years and finding savings and conducting oversight in even numbered years – when members of Congress happen to be running for re-election – we will get a better handle on our spending, we will be better at accountability on federal programs and we will begin to rein in what has been a runaway spending problem."