Today’s Agenda

Senator Lee is interviewed by WMAL and attends the Congressional Prayer Breakfast this morning.  He meets with Utah Metal Works and representatives from the Chamber of Commerce.  The Joint Economic Committee has a hearing on jobs and the Judiciary Committee will look at several nominations.  At noon, Senator Lee will participate in a rally to “Hold the Line” on the debt ceiling.  At 3:30 p.m. Senator Lee will attend his weekly “Jell-O with the Senator” to meet with constituents.

From the Senator’s Desk

Senator Lee’s Statement on the Debt Ceiling Plans coming out ogf the House and Senate:

“Both plans represent typical Washington answers to the federal government’s out-of-control spending problem.  They add trillions to the national debt in the short-term while making hollow promises to cut spending in the long-term.  Neither of the proposals fundamentally reform the way Washington spends money, require the federal government to balance its budget, or protect our triple-A credit rating. 

“The right solution is immediate cuts, enforceable spending caps, and structural reform, including a balanced budget amendment, not empty promises, unaccountable commissions, and business as usual.

“Republicans have already put forward a plan that grants the President’s unprecedented request on the debt ceiling.  The House passed it and every Republican in the Senate voted for it.  If we reach August 2 without a meaningful deal, it will be because the President and Senate Democrats refused to take Washington’s spending problem seriously.”

Around the Water Cooler

Debt Debate: “Class warfare, as much fun as it may be for the president, is not going to solve this problem.”

More Debt: “It’s not the default that strikes the most fear in the White House and Congress these days. It’s the downgrade.”

Impact in Utah: “Unless they come with a really credible plan to reduce government spending the likelihood of a downgrade is pretty high.”

A Look Ahead

Tomorrow, Senator Lee meets with the mayor of Saratoga Springs, and evaluates several executive branch nominations in ENR and Judiciary hearings.  The House is expected to vote on a plan to raise the debt ceiling at the end of the week, which is likely to then be considered in the Senate.