01.31.13

Murkowski: Vote Will “Curb Our Appetite for Spending”

Senator Allows America to Honor Debts, on Condition of Budget Plan Soon

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Lisa Murkowski today voted to allow the United States to pay our debts while requiring the U.S. Senate pass a budget for the first time in nearly four years, offering the following statement afterwards:

“I have been telling Alaskans and Americans for years that we are on a reckless path, borrowing money from other countries and future generations to stay afloat today.  It is clear we absolutely must rein in our finances, using a comprehensive approach of targeted spending cuts, mandatory spending reforms and tax reform.

“Part of a responsible approach also includes honoring our debts and paying what we owe.  We cannot be penny wise and pound foolish by ignoring our bills and risking even more debt through higher interest rates moving forward.  That’s what happens when any American ignores their bills, and that’s what we could be facing today.

“I voted for today’s H.R. 325 Debt Limit Bill so we will honor our obligations and commit to sit down together to finally pass a budget that will curb our appetite for spending, provide a comprehensive plan to cut spending, reform mandatory spending and overhaul our tax code. This isn’t a Democratic problem or a Republican problem, it’s an American problem and we will all have to tighten our belts to move forward together.”

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