Senator Richard Burr Message


Last week the Senate voted on a bill that passed the House earlier that week and is commonly referred to as “Cut, Cap, and Balance.”  I support this measure and will vote for it when it comes to the floor.   This bill would enact serious cuts in federal spending and would set limits on discretionary spending, two very important points to addressing our nation’s debt crisis.  Unfortunately, it is also expected that Majority Leader Harry Reid will kill this legislation using procedural motions, denying the Senate an up or down vote on this vital bill.
Our national debt has surpassed $14 trillion, and unlike American families across the country who are making tough decisions in order to make ends meet, Washington continues to live outside of its means and spend money that it does not have.  Our federal government currently borrows 40 cents of every dollar it spends – this is unsustainable and irresponsible.  Cut, Cap, and Balance would reduce our federal spending now by $142 billion, it would cap it for the future to keep Washington’s spending habits in check, and it would not allow for an increase in the debt ceiling in the future unless accompanied by a balanced budget amendment.
It is time for Washington to take a lesson from families all over the country and tighten its belt and live within its means.  We cannot keep spending money we do not have to the detriment of future generations of Americans.  We must make difficult choices, and we must do it now.

Sincerely,

U.S. Senator Richard Burr

Editors Note – This bill failed to pass in the Senate after Mr. Burr’s message was sent out.