Voters Mandate To GOP Lawmakers: No Compromise On Budget Cuts

by Don Azarias
May 1, 2013
Those mostly Democrat-leaning American voters might be wondering why the majority of Congressional Republican lawmakers are standing their ground and refusing to compromise with President Barack Obama and his Democratic allies regarding the seemingly never-ending budget battle.
Obama, of course, will try to take advantage of any minor GOP misstep, during the budget negotiation, for his own personal and political gain. He is on a win-win situation even when he and his Democratic allies are pushing the nation to the brink of financial ruin.
First of all, how could Obama even claim a mandate when the American people were almost evenly split on the popular vote this last election? I think Obama is being too presumptuous to even think that he can ignore and disregard the will of the almost 50 percent of the electorates.
After weeks of fierce battle with the Obama White House team to rein in uncontrolled federal government spending, House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) and his Republican allies appeared confident and had this to say: “Spending is the problem here in Washington. Our goal is to cut spending, not to shut the government down.”
Also on the GOP schedule is the introduction of the latest budget plan blueprint by Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wisconsin), the House Budget Chairman which aims to balance the annual budget deficit within the next decade.
As a show of support, Boehner had this to say: “Chairman Ryan and the Budget Committee members are working with all of our members to try to lay the groundwork for successful passage of our budget. They’re working through this and I’m sure that we’ll be able to come to some agreement.” For the nation’s sake, let’s just hope that this bill becomes a law.
Kevin Seifert, the House Budget committee press secretary released this statement: “Chairman Ryan has made clear that the House Budget Committee will advance a responsible, balanced budget. With respect to Medicare, Chairman Ryan will again put forward a real solution to protect and strengthen Medicare for current seniors and future generations. His reforms ensure no changes for those in or near retirement, a sharp contrast to the real harm inflicted on seniors by the president’s health-care law.”
But the most refreshing aspect in the midst of this bruising battle budget battle, is the emergence of neophyte GOP House lawmakers on Capitol Hill who, emboldened by the trust and confidence reposed in them by voters in their home states, are ready to duke it out with their veteran Democratic counterparts in order to put an end to their uncontrolled spending.
One freshman member of Congress, Rep. Steve Daines (R-Montana), warned that the growing national debt leaves a financial burden on younger generations, and it’s the duty of Congress to “responsibly manage” spending. I ran for Congress not because I was having a mid-life crisis. I left the private sector because I saw a looming financial crisis that was coming to this country,” Daines said. “It’s unsustainable.”
Another crusading lawmaker, Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah) was approached by a constituent who begged him to stop Obama’s health care overhaul. “It’s the stupidest plan in the world,” said Phoebe Eason, 69, who complained to Chaffetz about a clause that forces her husband, a podiatrist, to pay more for medical devices. “I’m doing everything I can to repeal it or take out these sections,” Chaffetz reassured her.
Though he has worked with Democrats on some bills, Chaffetz has refused to budge on some of the biggest issues in Washington. In 2011, he voted against raising the debt ceiling, arguing Congress and Obama weren’t reining in entitlement spending. Most economists said that if the limit hadn’t been raised it would have triggered a global depression. Last month, Chaffetz voted against the so-called fiscal cliff deal because it involved raising levies on those making more than $450,000 annually.
“The perception inside the Beltway is dramatically different than in hometown America,” Chaffetz said. “Most people in my district believe we’ve compromised too much.” One thing is clear: Compromise is a dirty word for the Republicans lawmakers.
People believe that Obama hiked taxes while pushing through his health care reform. Then he got another round during the fiscal cliff negotiations. Now he’s making a third attempt during the latest debt ceiling standoff. The debt is still huge. Republicans are folding at every turn. Voters, like Tina Peterson, 45, expressed her frustration: “Republicans are not sticking to their principles.”
“What is it going to take to make the change in Washington?” asked retired commercial airline pilot Robert Wren, 74. “Are we going to have to have a minor revolution of the people? Are we going to have to wait until the next election?”
Chaffetz said the problem is that Republicans haven’t communicated well with voters. “I don’t know if we have stood up for ourselves as much as we should,” he said.
Well, Mr. Chaffetz, maybe you should urge your fellow Republicans to do your part since you serve as the American voters’ voice on Capitol Hill. May I remind you that failure to do so maybe hazardous to your political future?