[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 5 (Tuesday, January 19, 2010)]
[House]
[Page H148]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           FISCAL DISCIPLINE

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from 
Arizona (Mrs. Kirkpatrick) for 5 minutes.
  Mrs. KIRKPATRICK of Arizona. Mr. Speaker, our national debt is 
setting new records each week, and Washington cannot ignore it any 
longer. Unless we take action, the debt could bring our recovery to a 
standstill, and raise interest rates for our families. Allowing 
excessive spending to continue is not an option.
  In 2010, we must draw the line and put fiscal discipline at the top 
of our agenda. This Congress should develop and execute a plan to start 
paying down the debt and ensure sustainable spending levels for the 
long term. We can and should continue smart investments that create 
jobs, develop our critical infrastructure, and help new industries 
grow.
  But at the same time, we have to start cutting waste and demanding 
efficiency. Government programs should be actively searching for ways 
to do more with less. And if they won't, Congress has to step up and do 
it for them.

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