Move Beyond ‘Baloney’ Budget Claims — Tackle the Federal Debt Dependency

Why is the federal government unable to maintain a balanced budget like families, seniors, and small businesses in New York are required to do?

This is a question I ponder each time a few special-interest groups react excessively to discussions about cutting federal spending or addressing our national debt.

The alarmist rhetoric suggesting that any sensible reduction in federal spending will lead to disastrous outcomes is simply nonsense.

Make no mistake: The advocates for the current system wish to keep the funding flowing for their own benefit.

I am advocating for change — for your benefit.

Here are the facts: Our country is confronting a serious fiscal predicament; the national debt surpasses $36 trillion and is on track to reach $59 trillion by 2035.

The reckless pattern of overspending and dependence on debt in Washington has tangible repercussions for families at home — manifested through higher taxes, soaring inflation, and a steadily escalating cost of living.

Inaction now will lead to long-term economic challenges that jeopardize the well-being of future generations.

At the same time, we must make sure that our society’s most vulnerable have access to a social safety net that allows them to live with dignity.

It is not only sound policy but also a fundamental moral obligation to preserve and enhance vital programs like Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, SNAP, and veterans’ benefits.

The budget resolution I supported in the House last week has ignited considerable debate — however, many of the criticisms are misinformed.

For instance, it is completely incorrect to claim that the budget resolution we voted on imposes harsh cuts to Social Security, Medicaid, or Medicare.

Yet, it hasn’t stopped House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries from spreading falsehoods, nor has it deterred Gov. Kathy Hochul from using vulnerable children as political pawns.

That’s incorrect.

And it exemplifies the kind of political fearmongering that diverts attention from the real challenge: Restoring fiscal responsibility while ensuring the programs millions of Americans depend on are intact.

Meanwhile, we also need to put an end to the abuses of the system at the expense of taxpayers.

Is there anyone who believes Medicaid should fund a 27-year-old, capable single man to spend his days playing video games?

Or that we should provide free food, housing, healthcare, and more to those who entered our country unlawfully?

Absolutely not — yet instances like these are adding countless billions to our bloated federal budget.

That is precisely the sort of unnecessary spending we should be cutting.

As early as 2005, The New York Times noted that New York’s Medicaid fraud could amount to billions — yet no substantial action has been taken to address it. We need to take that issue seriously and rectify it.

Equally important is the looming expiration of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which provided essential relief to American families and small businesses.

If it is allowed to expire, the child tax credit that law established will be diminished for 40 million families.

The standard deduction will significantly decrease — impacting 91% of taxpayers — and the Alternative Minimum Tax will be reinstated, increasing the tax burden on many residents in the Hudson Valley and across the state.

It is vital to retain these tax cuts for every American and lift the cap on SALT (the state and local tax deduction) to promote financial stability for families nationally.

As I stated during my initial campaign for Congress, eliminating the cap on SALT is my primary objective in Washington.

Progressing this budget resolution was a crucial step toward that aim: Now we can initiate the negotiation of a reconciliation bill.

This bill will secure our borders, bolster our military, enhance domestic energy production, reduce the size and reach of the federal government, and deliver genuine tax relief for hardworking middle-class families.

As we work on the final bill, I am confident that we can achieve fiscal responsibility and economic growth — while still supporting Americans who need assistance in tough times.

I will collaborate with pragmatic lawmakers from both parties to do what is right.

Republican Mike Lawler represents New York’s 17th Congressional District.