Fiscal Responsibility
Our country’s national debt is a significant burden that threatens our long-term prosperity. If we do not address our deficits in a responsible way, they will likely force draconian cuts to federal programs that support the livelihood and security of millions of Americans. Our ongoing debt accumulation creates a level of uncertainty that hinders investment and stymies economic growth.
The path to sustained economic stability and expansion requires addressing our deficits. I believe that we must confront this challenge by coming together to develop a balanced approach that includes both spending cuts and revenue increases.
The federal government can take a lesson from small businesses and working families across the country who understand that it is unsustainable to spend more money than you have. However, we must also recognize that not all cuts are wise, just or advised. While it is essential that we balance the budget, we cannot do so on the backs of the most vulnerable.
It is essential that Congress utilize the fiscal-year 2014 budget debate for to establish a renewed sense of financial responsibility. I am committed to finding a balanced approach to address the national debt. By coupling targeted spending reductions with an appropriate amount of revenue increases, we can reduce the deficit without instituting crippling budget cuts that disproportionally impact the elderly, students or the poor.
More on Fiscal Responsibility
Local members of the Congress voted differently today as the House of Representatives passed a continuing resolution to fund the government through September but stood up together to oppose a Republican drafted budget.
Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10) voted today for a bill to avoid a government shutdown and provides critical funding through the rest of Fiscal Year 2013. The Continuing Resolution passed the House by a vote of 318 to 109.
Congressman Schneider (IL-10) joined Sen. Angus King (I-ME) and Sen. Roy Blunt (R-MO) at Fix the Debt’s Small Business roundtable discussion, stressing the need to reduce the debt in a balanced manner and provide long-term fiscal certainty to give businesses confidence to make long-term decisions.
Today, U.S. Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10) testified before the House Committee on the Budget and offered his priorities for the Fiscal Year 2014 federal budget. In his testimony, Schneider outlined his recommendations for how to secure America’s long-term fiscal security and prosperity.
Five members of Illinois Congressional delegation spoke on Feb. 25 to the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago Government Affairs Committee. U.S. Reps. Mike Quigley, D-5th, Brad Schneider, D-10th, Rodney Davis, R-13th, Tammy Duckworth, D-8th, and Bill Foster, D-11th, touched on a variety of issues, and expressed concern that the ongoing budget process will prevent important government business from being accomplished.
Today, U.S. Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10) helped introduce bipartisan legislation that would repeal the 2.3 percent excise tax on medical device manufactures included in the 2010 health care reform law.
Rep. Brad Schneider and Rep. Schakowsky were on opposite sides of a bipartisan vote today extending the nation’s debt limit through May 19 in the House of Representatives.
The final vote was 285 to 144 with Schneider joining 84 other Democrats and 199 Republicans to send the bill to the Senate for action. Schakowsky was one of 111 Democrats and 33 Republicans voting no.
The swearing in today of U.S. Rep.-elects Tammy Duckworth of Hoffman Estates, Bill Foster of Naperville and Brad Schneider of Deerfield represents a 180-degree departure from the "red wave" of 2010, which saw a crop of Tea Party freshmen elected to Congress.
All Democrats, the three weathered staunch opposition in November's election. They vow to be voices of compromise when the 113th Congress convenes after today's ceremonies.