By Brandon Moseley
Alabama Political Reporter
A showdown between House Republicans and President Barack H. Obama (D) looms as the federal government approaches yet another debt ceiling. Congressman Robert Aderholt (R) from Haleyville recently reported in correspondence to his constituents that President Obama and Senate Democrats are pushing for yet another tax increase.
Representative Aderholt wrote in his statement, “It seems that President Obama and Senate Democrats want higher taxes which will likely lead to more government spending as a solution to our nation’s budget concerns, at a time when businesses across the country are already struggling due in part to Obamacare and other job killing regulations.”
Rep. Aderholt continued, “Meanwhile, House Republicans continue to lead the charge on getting Washington’s fiscal house in order by making real cuts. Over the last two years, the House of Representatives has cut over $100 billion from the federal budget. However, with our national debt well over $16 trillion, there is clearly more work to do.”
Rep. Aderholt said, “While getting Washington living within its means is one of House Republicans driving forces, it is also one of our biggest challenges—especially with so many in Washington who seem to be looking for opportunities to raise taxes, in order to pay for more government spending.”
Rep. Aderholt concluded, “History has proven time and time again, higher taxes are not the answer to economic success and stability, but unfortunately that notion does not seem to resonate with many in Washington. Please know that as budget discussions continue, House Republicans remain committed to cutting federal spending, protecting American families and small businesses and doing what we can to restore our economy to a prosperous state.”
Alabama Policy Institute Vice President Cameron Smith wrote on Tuesday at al.com that: “Right now federal, state, and local government accounts for 34 percent of America’s Gross Domestic Product. It accounts for more than a third of our economy.” Smith cited an article by Dean Kalahar in ‘Real Clear Markets’ that pointed out that “for the first 130 years of [America’s] existence, federal spending as a percentage of GDP averaged around 2.5%.”
Despite an enormous increase in federal spending over his presidency and a massive tax increase that affected 80% of Americans that passed Congress in January the federal budget deficit is still running over $800 billion. This following $5 trillion in deficit spending during President Obama’s first term.
Congressman Robert Aderholt represents Alabama’s Fourth Congressional District.
