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Dems' spending spree leaves Americans to foot the bill

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Ginny Brown-Waite

Guest columnist

Published: October 29, 2009

As you know, each year that the federal government runs a budget deficit, it must borrow money in your name to pay for the shortfall.

The government does this in two ways. First, it sells debt directly to the public - both U.S. citizens and foreigners - in the form of Treasury bonds. Second, the government borrows from itself by replacing the surplus cash in various public accounts like the Social Security Trust Fund with "IOUs."

This cannot continue.

In 1917, Congress wisely put a statutory limit on the amount of money the federal government could borrow. This limit is called the "debt ceiling." Since taking power in 2007, the Democrats have increased the debt ceiling by 35 percent, bringing your family's share of the total debt to just under $98,000. In fact, after solidifying their majorities in 2008, the Democrats managed to increase the national debt by almost 25 percent in less than 12 months.

Despite these eye-popping figures, many people do not know that within the next few weeks, the Democrats will have to raise the debt limit yet again. If they fail to raise it, America will default on the obligations America has made over the last few years.

Knowing this was the situation, Democrats in the House still went ahead and passed double-digit increases for government agencies across the board. In addition, they are attempting to pass a trillion dollar health care bill and claiming that it will cost nothing.

You and I both know better.

Current estimates of next year's budget deficit hover around $1.3 trillion. If this turns out to be correct, the Democrats will have to raise the debt ceiling again. That would amount to a 59 percent increase in the nation's debt since 2007. It also means increasing your family's share of the national debt from $98,000 to more than $110,000.

If you watch closely, you are likely to see a series of games played in Washington over the next few weeks, trying to hide the current increase from you. At this time, it appears that Democratic leaders will attach language increasing the debt ceiling to the Defense Appropriations bill - something they consider to be "must-pass" legislation. This will save their members from having to vote for the increase out in the open. In doing so, the liberals are also hoping that you will be so fixated on other things that you won't notice the extra trillion dollars on your tab.

As your representative, I refuse to sit back and let them get away with this. Americans deserve transparency from their government because at the end of the day, it is Americans who will have to pay for these decisions.

Rest assured that I will continue to work with my colleagues to bring this situation under control by making the tough choices. In the next few weeks, Sens. Bill Nelson and George LeMieux will have the opportunity to vote on this measure. As such, I strongly encourage you to contact them and to share your views. You may do so by visiting www.senate.gov.

Throughout my tenure in public service, I have always kept an open door and an open dialogue with my constituents. As Congress addresses the many challenges facing our nation, I hope you will continue to share your thoughts and views with me. Accordingly, I encourage you to visit my Web site at http://brown-waite.house.gov to e-mail me and find useful information about our 5th Congressional District.

U.S. Rep. Ginny Brown-Waite, R-Brooksville, represents Florida's 5th Congressional District.

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