Nineteen Trillion Reasons to Cut Federal Spending

New interactive forums – YouCut, America Speaking Out – put public at center of budget debate

There was some troubling news recently from the Department of Treasury.  In a report to Congress, the Treasury Department predicted that the national debt, already exceeding $13 trillion, will surpass $19 trillion by 2015. 

This means that the ratio of debt to Gross Domestic Product, now at a staggering 93 percent, would rise to 102 percent, exceeding our nation’s entire economic output.  At this rate, any opportunity for economic growth would be severely constrained, putting Americans in every industry and profession at an unfair disadvantage.  

The way forward must not consist of more federal spending and government expansion.  That's what got us where we are today.  The responsible course of action must center on an unrelenting commitment to stop irresponsible budgeting, reduce outstanding debt and promote an agenda that places taxpayers and working families first.    

In my last newsletter, I highlighted a new program called YouCut, which puts you – and the rest of the American public – at the forefront of this debate.  More than 850,000 votes have been cast to cut wasteful or ineffective programs, and YouCut’s popularity only continues to grow as more Americans take interest and express their frustration with runaway spending. 

The most recent winner is based on a proposal to amend federal law to allow for the expedited sale of unaffordable or vacant federal properties, providing a cost saving to taxpayers of $15 billion.  Current law requires that federal properties be offered to other government entities and certain groups at little or no cost.  As such, taxpayers lose out with every transaction. 

This is just one example among many others.  By visiting YouCut on a regular basis, which you can do through my website, not only will you be taking a more active role in the federal budget process – you will also learn more about how government spends taxpayer dollars.

Another interactive forum called America Speaking Out, also available on my website, is increasing civic engagement the same way YouCut is inspiring participation in the political process.  Through this forum, you can submit ideas to make government more efficient, comment on suggestions put forward by other Americans and provide feedback on legislation pending before Congress.

America Speaking Out and YouCut are important tools in the ongoing effort to cut spending and create a federal government that always works in the best interests of American taxpayers.

Community Job Fair Next Week

A strong job market is the cornerstone of a strong economy, and while Congress must continue making economic recovery a top priority, I’m doing all I can to help get San Diegans back to work.  That’s why I’m hosting another community job fair – my third so far – to bring areas businesses and job seekers together.  About 50 businesses will be in attendance, as well as career counselors who can provide information and advice to anyone ready to rejoin the workforce. 

The job fair is scheduled from 9 AM to Noon at Cuyamaca College in El Cajon this Monday, June 21st.  Additional information is available by contacting my El Cajon office at 619-448-5201.

Register for Future Tele-Town Halls 

One of the best and most efficient ways for me to communicate with you while I’m in Washington D.C. is through tele-town halls.  This particular forum allows me to directly connect with members of our community more often, simply by picking up the telephone.  Each town hall starts with a brief introduction before I begin taking questions from participants. 

Before each town hall, I will be sure to keep sending newsletter updates with information concerning that particular event.  However, if you would like to participate in future town halls, please contact my El Cajon office at 619-448-5201 and ask to be added to the town hall call list.  

Of course, there is no obligation to participate even if added to the call list -- you are welcome to stay on the line for any amount of time you wish. 

In Afghanistan, Military and Reconstruction Missions Make Progress

Over Memorial Day weekend, I traveled to Afghanistan for my second time as a Member of Congress.  My first experience in Afghanistan was during active military service with the Marine Corps, but the opportunity to return to the region along with other Members of Congress has provided a unique perspective that is not always reflected in oversight hearings or daily news reports.

One of the more notable advancements involves the expanded access to important economic and social infrastructure.  American military and civilian leadership continue working tirelessly to connect more of the Afghan population to services by improving infrastructure, building schools and clinics, and offering medical care.

While there, I also had meetings with troops and military commanders, including General Stanley McChrystal, national and local leaders, law enforcement and Afghan defense forces.  They all reiterated the same message: American troops and civilians are doing important things to help the Afghan people build their communities, increase their education and strengthen security. 

Progress is being made every day.  In fact, on the last day of the trip, the group I was with walked to a local school to observe firsthand how infrastructure improvements are helping to transform communities and contribute to the overall mission.  

It was also good to meet with troops from California, and learn about some of their experiences and insights.  A lot has changed since I was in Afghanistan with the Marine Corps, especially with the addition of 30,000 additional troops, making these exchanges all the more important.  As always, the best and often most humbling perspectives come from our service men and women.  The chance to speak with them was certainly a highlight of the visit.