Radio Address to the
Nation on the Federal Debt Ceiling Increase and Deficit Reduction
My
fellow Americans:
There's
good news. The Federal deficit for this year is expected to drop by some 30
percent compared to last year. That could be a whopping $65 billion reduction,
and it happened without a tax increase. There's also some disappointing news.
The Congress, once again, has passed a bill that puts me in the position of
accepting legislation with which I fundamentally disagree.
The
bill would continue the authority of the United States Government to borrow
funds which we must do to avoid the default on our obligations. This
legislation also includes a so-called fix of the Gramm-Rudman-Hollings deficit
reduction law, but it really is an attempt to force me eventually either to
sign a tax bill or to accept massive cuts in national defense, or both. I would
have no problem with signing an extension of the debt limit. But the choice is
for the
Unfortunately,
Congress consistently brings the Government to the edge of default before
facing its responsibility. This brinkmanship threatens the holders of
government bonds and those who rely on Social Security and veterans benefits.
Interest rates would skyrocket, instability would occur in financial markets,
and the Federal deficit would soar. The
Some
in Congress will claim that if I reject this bill with its
Gramm-Rudman-Hollings fix, then I'm against deficit reduction. But, of course,
nothing is farther from the truth. Since 1980 when you first elected me to this
office, I have led efforts to control Congress' appetite to spend in deficit.
Over a 5-year period, while revenues went up 28 percent, congressional spending
went up 46 percent. From 1982 to 1987, for every dollar Congress cut from our
national defense, they added $2 for domestic spending. Now, that's not fiscal
restraint. Two years ago, Congress took a first step to curb spending with
Gramm-Rudman-Hollings, and I agreed. Its purpose was to get on a track to lower
deficits and eventually a balanced budget. Well, the ink was not even dry
before Congress walked away from its own plan. Instead of facing the tough
choices to reduce Federal spending, Congress attempted to shift the burden to
our national security and to you, the American taxpayers, in the form of new
taxes.
For
those who say further responsible spending reductions are not possible, they
are wrong. For those who say the only choice is undermining our national
security at a time when the
In
the weeks ahead, Congress will have the opportunity to meet this commitment. So
today, let's get some things clear. I will not hesitate to use my veto to hold
down excess spending, and I will spell out the impact that defense cuts will
have on our long-term security interests. You don't need more taxes to balance
the budget. Congress needs the discipline to stop spending more, and that can
be done with the passage of a constitutional amendment to balance the budget.
Congress needs to reform its budget process, at least by breaking up those
massive, catch-all spending bills into individual parts. That way, each part
can stand on its own. And to meet the new deficit target in
Gramm-Rudman-Hollings, if Congress insists on lowering defense spending, then I
will certainly insist on lowering domestic spending as well.
This
decision is not easy. I have no choice but to sign this bill to guarantee the
United States Government's credit. But I also will not permit Congress to
dismantle our national defense, to jeopardize arms reduction, or to increase
your taxes. I am determined that will not happen.
Until
next week, thank you, and God bless you.
Note: The President
spoke at