Politics & Government

Bono Mack: Budget Control Act a 'Viable Blueprint'

"Today's vote was a rejection of 'buy now, pay later' politics. Over the long run, America will be stronger and better off for it," said U.S. Rep. Mary Bono Mack.

UPDATE 1:10 p.m. July 30:

House rejects Senate plan.

Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack, who represents Murrieta, released a statement today after Democrats and Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives rejected the Senate’s debt ceiling plan.

Find out what's happening in Murrietawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"While I share the frustration being felt by many Americans, I remain hopeful that Congress will approve a plan in the next few days to avoid defaulting on our national debt, while at the same time significantly cutting federal spending. That’s the best way to get our economy moving forward again.

"Unfortunately, the Senate plan included too many budgetary gimmicks to warrant serious consideration. What’s important now is for both sides to reach a compromise that’s in the best long-term interests of our nation."  

ORIGINAL POST July 29:

Find out what's happening in Murrietawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Murrieta's congresswoman, Mary Bono Mack, R-Palm Springs, released a statement following the U.S. House of Representatives approval Friday of the Budget Control Act of 2011.

After intense negotiations and debate, it was passed on a 218-210 vote, said Cort Bush, spokesperson for the congresswoman's office.

Bono Mack, who voted for the measure, said raising America’s debt limit had to be tied to significant spending cuts to get her support.

"Before the clock strikes midnight on Aug. 2, I remain optimistic that Congress will approve a debt ceiling plan which preserves the full faith and credit of the United States--and we will do it without raising taxes," Bono Mack said in the statement sent via email from her Washington D.C. office.

"I believe the approach taken by Speaker Boehner and the Republican leadership offers a viable blueprint for the future. It provides for immediate reductions in government spending and also places strict caps on future discretionary spending.

"Just as importantly, it requires both the House and Senate to have a straight up-or-down vote on a Balanced Budget Amendment, which will force the federal government to finally live within its means.  

"Today, as a nation, we are borrowing 40 cents out of every $1 we spend. That’s simply irresponsible and threatens the future prosperity of America. Our children deserve better. That’s the clear message that I am hearing from voters all across the district, and that’s why dramatically cutting non-essential federal spending--no matter how difficult--should remain our top priority.

"Since 1962, the debt ceiling has been raised 74 times, but at no point in time have the stakes been higher for our nation. We can no longer afford to keep living on borrowed money. Within 25 years, interest on the national debt and entitlement spending will surpass all federal revenues unless we do something now. Today’s vote was a rejection of ‘buy now, pay later’ politics. Over the long run, America will be stronger and better off for it."

The bill now heads to the U.S. Senate for a vote.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here