Benton Times

Congressmen Steve Womack and Ed Case have reintroduced the Sustainable Budget Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at addressing the United States' growing national debt. Co-introduced by Congressmen Scott Peters and Zach Nunn, the legislation seeks to establish a national commission tasked with formulating policies to balance the budget within a decade.

"The exploding national debt is one of the greatest threats to our country," said Congressman Womack. He emphasized the need for "difficult, yet necessary, decisions" to ensure fiscal responsibility for future generations.

Congressman Case highlighted the severity of the issue, stating, "The U.S. national debt now stands at over $36 trillion." He pointed out that interest payments on this debt exceed spending on defense and Medicare combined. "It is inescapable that the underlying problem is our collective inability or unwillingness to prioritize fiscal responsibility and sustainability," he added.

Echoing these concerns, Congressman Peters remarked on the financial strain caused by high-interest payments, which surpass expenditures on critical programs like Medicaid. "It's well past time for Congress to have a fact-driven discussion about the federal budget," he stated.

Congressman Nunn called for government accountability akin to that practiced by families and businesses. "We must cut wasteful government spending while protecting the programs that Iowans rely on," he asserted.

Maya MacGuineas from the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget praised the bipartisan effort: “We commend Representatives Case and Womack...for working together in a bipartisan fashion.” She expressed support for creating a commission dedicated to improving fiscal policy through constructive negotiations.

The proposed National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform would comprise 18 members selected by various political leaders. Its mission would be to propose measures ensuring long-term fiscal stability. Any recommendations made by this commission would undergo expedited legislative review in Congress.