“Spend-and-Borrow Economic Policies are Unsustainable;

 We Need a Greater Commitment to Fiscal Discipline and Free Market Principles”

Washington, DC – Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), Vice Chair of the House Republican Conference, released the following statement tonight in response to President Obama’s State of the Union speech.

“The best news from tonight’s speech is that President Obama has finally acknowledged there’s a problem with out-of-control government spending and deficits.  While I support the President’s decision to place a freeze on discretionary spending, it can’t be an isolated step.”

“If the President is serious about reducing government spending and getting the deficit under control, the first thing he should do is return the nearly $900 billion in unused TARP and stimulus funds which he is planning to use for more government spending.”

“If the President goes ahead and spends that $900 billion, the benefits of any spending freeze of discretionary spending – which is only about 15% of the federal budget - will be next to nil.”

“Experts agree that if Congress can get the deficit under control and stop threatening to raise taxes on small businesses, we can create an environment conducive to job growth.”

“To bring our fiscal house in order, I support a balanced budget amendment, a line-item veto, and a willingness to confront all aspects of the federal budget – not just discretionary spending.”

“To revitalize America’s economy, we must unleash the power of free minds and free markets, not overburden the private sector with new rules and regulations.  And to keep America safe from our enemies, we need to stay on offense in the War on Terror, not shirk from our commitments.”

“I look forward to working with President Obama and my colleagues in Congress to address the many challenges facing our country.   While these are difficult times, I know that by working together in a new spirit of cooperation, we can ensure that America’s best days are ahead of us.”