HARMAN ATTENDS OBAMA PRESS CONFERENCE ON WHITE HOUSE COMMITMENT TO FISCALLY RESPONSIBLE BUDGET PRINCIPLES

Lawmaker says “Our generation must take responsibility for our actions, and not pass the bucks to our grandchildren”

Washington, D.C. -- Following a White House press conference on the Obama Administration’s commitment to statutory Pay-As-You-Go (PAYGO) budget principles attended by House Democratic leaders and members of the New Democrat and Blue Dog Coalitions, Rep. Jane Harman (D-CA) issued the following statement. 

“With his statement today, President Obama makes clear he shares Congress’ commitment to fiscal discipline and a balanced budget,” said Harman.  “When I came to Congress in 1993, statutory PAYGO was in place, and I joined in casting tough, career-threatening votes that put the federal government on the path to a balanced budget – which we achieved in 1997.  President Bush took office in 2001, and the budget was in surplus.  But PAYGO was allowed to lapse on his watch.  Eight years later, we face a trillion dollar debt and a calamitous recession.”

Added Harman:  “I’m committed to necessary short-term measures to restore economic growth, and I’m committed to restoring PAYGO to ensure major initiatives like health care reform are paid for.  Our generation must take responsibility for our actions, and not pass the bucks to our grandchildren.”

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