[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 24 (Tuesday, February 14, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Pages S592-S593]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                               The Budget

  Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, our Nation is more than $15 trillion in 
debt. The President's budget will increase government spending by $47 
trillion over the next decade. Included is the largest tax increase in 
American history, while our national debt increases to $25.9 trillion 
over the next 10 years.
  That is right. This budget proposes a massive tax increase, not as a 
plan to address the national debt but to fuel more reckless big 
government spending. Our Nation cannot afford to continue down this 
path. This reckless budget will not only saddle our children and 
grandchildren with massive government debt, but it proposes to raise 
taxes on the very businesses we need to create jobs.
  How can this President and the majority party claim to be projobs 
when everything they are doing is antibusiness? This budget threatens 
our long-term economic security and places a greater burden on our 
children and grandchildren who will be forced to live and pay for 
Washington's inability to solve this problem.
  While I believe the President's budget spends too much, borrows too 
much, and taxes too much, in the Senate the majority party has chosen 
to go to the other extreme. They have now refused to pass a budget for 
more than 1,000 days. It is our responsibility as legislators to 
develop a real, workable budget that will put our Nation back on the 
path of economic prosperity. Unfortunately, the majority simply has not 
taken this responsibility seriously.
  Now, there are some who claim that spending caps established in the 
Budget Control Act constitute a budget. Quite frankly, I disagree. At a 
time when millions of Americans are out of work, this behavior in 
Washington continues to create great uncertainty and stifles economic 
growth.
  No State has felt the failures of Washington more than the State of 
Nevada. My State continues to lead the Nation in unemployment, with 
more than 150,000 Nevadans looking for a job. With the so-called 
stimulus plans, Cash for Clunkers, and bailouts, Washington's response 
to our economic problems has been woefully inadequate and, in Nevada, a 
complete failure.
  Here is the kind of story I hear all too often from my fellow 
Nevadans:

       You may recall that my wife Pam and I own Straw Hat Pizza 
     here in Carson. Pam has owned and operated the restaurant 
     since May of 1985. Unfortunately, after 25 years of 
     operation, today is our last day of being in business. We are 
     forced to close our doors and likely file for bankruptcy due 
     to the horrible economic situation in our state, and Carson 
     City in particular. It's a true tragedy that a lifelong 
     endeavor ends this way, and Pam feels that she is a failure.
       I keep reminding her that the failure was not hers, but 
     rather a failure of liberal elected officials to do what's 
     right for our country and get out of the way, let free 
     enterprise work its magic, and in turn let individuals 
     flourish.

  Members of Congress are willfully refusing to put our Nation on a 
path of long-term fiscal responsibility, creating greater uncertainty, 
and contributing to an anemic economy that is forcing small businesses 
to close their doors. As long as this is the case, Americans will 
continue to be frustrated and angry with Washington's inability to 
produce real results.

  Our Nation's Capitol remains the only place in the country where 
difficult decisions are not made. Congress continually kicks the can 
down the road leaving tough fiscal decisions for future Congresses, 
future administrations, and worse, the next generation.
  In light of these facts, is it any mystery why Congress is currently 
experiencing its worst approval ratings in history. I introduced the No 
Budget,

[[Page S593]]

No Pay Act to force Congress to face reality, to take responsibility 
for running this country. This bipartisan legislation requires that the 
Senate and House of Representatives pass a budget and all 
appropriations bills by the beginning of each fiscal year. Failure to 
do so would result in the loss of pay until Congress takes its job 
seriously.
  If Congress does not complete its constitutional duties, then its 
Members should not be paid. It is that simple. If we do not do our job, 
then we should not be paid. This concept resonates with the American 
people. I know this because I asked Nevadans during a series of 
telephone townhall meetings last year whether they supported a bill 
that would hold the pay of Members of Congress if they failed to pass a 
budget. More than 4,000 Nevadans participated in this poll, and 84 
percent of them supported the No Budget, No Pay concept.
  The budget is not a trivial piece of legislation or a campaign 
document. It is a roadmap that identifies goals, priorities, and 
establishes a multiyear fiscal course for the Nation. If done right it 
can provide stability and set expectations for where we want to take 
our Nation.
  Budgeting is not a strange concept. It is something that is done at 
all levels of government, businesses large and small, and at every 
kitchen table across the country. It is past time for Congress to 
actually implement policies that would encourage the economic growth we 
need to ensure that workers can have good jobs and provide for their 
families.
  While the No Budget, No Pay Act will not solve every problem in 
Washington, I sincerely believe it would be a step in the right 
direction. These essential functions of Congress are vital to fiscal 
responsibility and creating greater certainty so our job creators can 
flourish.
  I was pleased to see reports of growth--small growth--in our economy. 
But lack of clarity provided by Washington continues to hamper economic 
growth. Back home, Nevadans continue to struggle. Small businesses are 
trying to survive while gridlock in Washington is making it harder for 
employers to know what to expect in the coming years. Establishing a 
responsible budget would be a good first step toward placing our Nation 
on a path for a more prosperous future.
  I yield the floor, and I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Tester). The clerk will call the roll.
  The assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. PAUL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for 
the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.