As I travel throughout Ohio’s 16th District, I consistently hear from small businesses and families who are deeply troubled by Washington’s spending spree and its blatant disregard for our country’s fiscal sustainability. I too remain gravely concerned, and reining in the growing national debt is one of the very reasons I came to Washington. Our country’s national debt is about to exceed $20 trillion, and I believe that we have a fundamental responsibility to our children and future generations to pass on an America with greater opportunity and more freedom, not one burdened by crushing debt.

This Congress, I have introduced several bills to address our nation’s fiscal problems:

• H.Con.Res. 8, the Fiscal State of the Nation Resolution. This legislation would require the Comptroller General of the United States to present the United States’ annual financial report to a Joint Session of Congress. This will serve to bring greater awareness regarding our nation’s long-term financial constraints to our nation’s lawmakers. Since its introduction, this bipartisan legislation has gained the support of over 110 cosponsors from both parties.
• H.Res. 47, the Budget Enforcement Awareness Resolution. This legislation would amend House rules to give all House members the opportunity to ensure their fellow members know that the House is considering budget-breaking legislation and to put their colleagues on record as to whether they want to proceed with that legislation. It builds upon the Fiscal State of the Nation resolution by making sure Congress is not only aware of our fiscal situation but is also working to improve the financial transparency of every piece of legislation that makes it to the floor of the House.

Getting our country back on track should not be a partisan issue. It is critical that we find common ground and now is the time to act together. I will continue to fight for a balanced budget by reining in excessive spending, tackling the drivers of our debt, strengthening retirement security, and instituting a fairer, simpler tax code. Families must live within their budgets, and it is time that the federal government does the same so that we can ensure our children and grandchildren have even greater opportunities and inherit a stronger, more sustainable America.