I had written into Kelly’s office to see where she stood on the Debt Ceiling vote that may come anytime between now and mid-summer. Again, the ‘Grok’s stance is a No vote – this will force the Feds to start prioritizing the use of our money (instead of paying pretty much for everything because it is "other peoples’ money). Emphasis is mine:
May 3, 2011
Dear Mr. Murphy:
Thank you for contacting me regarding the national debt. I appreciate hearing from you.
Our national debt stands at over $14 trillion, and the deficit is projected to reach a staggering $1.6 trillion this year. Admiral Mike Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, has said that the national debt is one of the greatest threats to our national security. We must make government live within its means, just like New Hampshire families do.
As you know, the U.S. is nearing the debt limit – the amount of debt the country is legally allowed to issue. I strongly believe any attempt to raise the debt limit must be accompanied by significant long-term spending reductions and budget reform. Having to repeatedly increase the debt limit represents a broad failure of leadership from politicians of both parties.
As a new member of the Senate, I refuse to perpetuate this cycle. We cannot let this moment pass us by, and I cannot in good conscience raise our debt ceiling without Congress passing real and meaningful reforms to reduce spending. Those reforms should include a Balanced Budget Amendment, statutory spending caps, spending cuts, and entitlement reform. As you may know, I have co-sponsored S.J.Res. 5, a joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States requiring that the federal budget be balanced. A Balanced Budget Amendment is essential to getting America’s fiscal house in order, and I will pursue every appropriate legislative option to get it passed.
I believe that it is my responsibility to analyze the underlying problems perpetuating the growth in our federal debt and to make a real effort to solve them. Congress needs a strong dose of New Hampshire common sense. We cannot keep spending money that we do not have. In my view, this is the central challenge our generation. I stand ready to make the tough decisions to get our fiscal house in order.
Again, thank you for taking the time to contact me. As your Senator, it is important for me to hear from those I represent regarding the current issues affecting New Hampshire and our country. Please do not hesitate to contact me if I can be of any further assistance.
Sincerely,
Signature
Kelly A. Ayotte
U. S. Senator
As with the teletown house call with Congressman Frank Guinta, I’m glad to see that they are of a NO leaning. What does concern me a bit is the word "should" from both; I’d be feeling a tad more at ease IF that word was replaced by "will include…or a No comes from me!".
