[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 111 (Wednesday, July 22, 2009)]
[House]
[Page H8498]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          GOVERNMENT SPENDING

  (Mr. WITTMAN asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I come before you today to highlight 
exactly how out of control government spending has become. As some in 
Congress charge towards a more than $1 trillion health care bill with 
little regard for our national debt, I think a reminder of how much we 
have already spent is in order.
  This year's budget increased spending to $4 trillion. That's 48 
percent of GDP, the highest since World War II. For FY 2009 alone, we 
have a $2 trillion deficit. This summer, we've been busy passing bills 
with double-digit increases in spending. Already, there have been 
mentions of tax increases to cover our financial obligations.
  Where does all of this stop? Sadly, it would appear, not in this 
Congress.
  We only have to look towards the West Coast to see a cautionary tale 
of a government with no fiscal discipline. In California, they've laid 
off thousands of workers, withheld tax refunds, and started paying 
contractors with IOUs. Their finances are in shambles.
  We have a clear example of how reckless spending can paralyze a 
State. I hope all Members of this body learn from that important 
lesson.

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