Washington, D.C. - Today Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) signed on as an original cosponsor of the Deal with the Debt Today Act, legislation that would require emergency or disaster spending to be offset over a ten year period, ensuring Congress makes a conscious effort to address our nation’s growing debt. This bill was introduced by Representative John Curtis of Utah’s Third Congressional District.

"When I came to Congress, America’s debt was already unsustainable. We cannot continue to add additional spending without providing a way to pay for it. We cannot continue to hope future generations fix our problems. This legislation will help ensure Congress actually leads the American people forward by prioritizing needed spending, but also by making responsible decisions to live within our budget.” said Emmer.

"Over the past few months, Congress has passed trillions of dollars in unpaid spending. While the CARES Act included important provisions to help our economy quickly, Congress cannot keep signing trillion dollar checks with borrowed money, ultimately pushing the burden onto our children and grandchildren,” said Curtis. “I urge my colleagues to join me in taking the first step towards a sustainable budget. In good conscience, we cannot continue kicking this down the road—we must deal with the debt today. 

Background:

The Deal With the Debt Today Act would require spending on emergencies and disasters to be offset. If Congress is delinquent in this responsibility to voluntarily reduce spending after two years of enactment, then proportionate spending reductions will automatically occur across the federal government. While the sequester is an emergency fail-safe, this legislation will make debt reduction a priority for Congress.

CLICK HERE to read the Deal with the Debt Today Act.

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