February 5, 2013

Remarks: Mr. Speaker, the only way for Washington to control its spending problem is to start budgeting -- and budgeting responsibly. House Republicans have passed responsible budgets for two consecutive years that restore economic growth and reduce our deficits. Unfortunately, the Senate hasn't passed a budget in four years and today the president missed the deadline for submitting his own budget to Congress for the fourth time in the last five years. You don't have to look much further than these facts to learn why Washington has such a hard time living within its means. For this reason, the House is advancing a series of initiatives to force Washington's hand. On January 23, 2013, the House chamber passed the No Budget, No Pay Act, which forces the Senate to pass a budget or members of congress will lose their pay. This week, the House will consider legislation forcing the president to produce a balanced budget or submit a plan that indicates the earliest year he believes fiscal balance can be achieved. Hardworking Americans run their households by setting a budget and then living within those means. It's time for the Democrat-led Senate and the President to do the same.