Congressman Valadao delivers Floor Statement on sequestration
Mr. Speaker,
I agree Congress needs to get serious about our nation’s irresponsible spending. However, broad-based, automatic spending cuts and tax increases are not the way to get our fiscal house in order.
This week, the Administration warned of the devastating effects Sequestration will have on many essential services provided by the federal government.
To be clear, while the Budget Control Act of 2011 defined the amount of sequestration cuts, implementation of the cuts is at the discretion of the Administration. The Administration has now threatened to cut crucial services, including laying off air-traffic controllers and inspectors that make sure our food is safe. At the same time, our government is spending $1.7 billion operating unused federal properties and $1.2 million to pay seniors to play video games.
There are numerous bipartisan alternatives to increase the federal government’s efficiency and eliminate wasteful spending that do not include raising taxes or cutting the essential services my constituents depend on.
Ultimately, the real solution lies in reviving our struggling economy and giving small businesses the tools to create jobs. In California’s San Joaquin Valley burdensome environmental regulations have resulted in the fallowing of 200,000 acres of land and the loss of countless jobs. This is a prime example of government ignoring a solution while creating a problem. At no cost to the taxpayers, we could provide certainty to farmers and cities in my district and protect jobs.
With just two days until sequestration takes place, it is time for all of us to get serious about our nations spending problem and come together to do what’s best for the American people.
I yield back.
