Aderholt Supports Cut, Cap and Balance Act

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 19, 2011 CONTACT: Anne Marie Malecha, 202.225.4876

Aderholt Supports Cut, Cap and Balance Act
Delivers Targeted Cuts, Reasonable Spending Limits and Requires a Balanced Budget

Washington, D.C.— Congressman Robert Aderholt (AL-04), today issued the following statement after the Cut, Cap and Balance Act, passed the United States House of Representatives by 234-190. The Cut, Cap and Balance Act cuts total spending by $111 billion in FY12, caps total spending as a percentage of GDP and requires the passage of a balanced budget amendment before raising the nation’s debt limit.

“Our debt crisis is a result of Washington spending money it does not have and leaving the American people—both of today and future generations—with the devastating tab,” said Aderholt. “Spending money we do not have is the problem, so controlling Washington’s spending must be part of the solution. The Cut, Cap and Balance Act delivers immediate spending cuts, puts in place reasonable spending limits going forward, and requires Washington live within its means from here on out.”

“Since the President took office in 2009, the National debt has increased by $3.7 trillion and today the national debt stands at nearly $14.3 trillion dollars. That’s $46,000 per American citizen. We cannot continue down the same path and expect a different result. The measures put in place through the Cut, Cap and Balance Act are important steps to getting America on a fiscally responsible path. I am proud to support such a common sense solution and help get our country back on the right track,” concluded Aderholt.

Bill Highlights

• Cuts total spending by $111 billion in FY 2012, without cutting Social Security, Medicare or Veterans spending;
• Caps federal spending for the next decade on a sliding scale based on GDP;
• Requires the passage of a balanced budget amendment before raising the nation’s debt limit; and
• Provides for the President’s request for a debt ceiling increase if a qualifying balanced budget amendment passes Congress and is sent to the states for ratification.

Aderholt currently serves as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Homeland Security for the powerful House Appropriations Committee, is a member of the Committee’s Commerce, Justice and Science; and Agriculture Subcommittees, and also serves on the Helsinki Commission.

For more information about Aderholt’s work in Congress visit www.aderholt.house.gov.