09.17.13

Sessions Comments On New CBO Long-Term Budget Outlook

“The report demolishes any argument that the decline in the size of our deficits provides any basis for the country to relax. Annual deficits and debt are certain to rise relentlessly and without end unless we take action… Reforms to [America’s trillion-dollar welfare budget is] necessary to ensure not only that taxpayer dollars are being wisely spent, but that we are fulfilling our moral obligation to help more Americans become financially independent.” 

WASHINGTON—U.S. Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-AL), Ranking Member of the Senate Budget Committee, issued the following statement today regarding the new long-term budget outlook from the Congressional Budget Office:

“CBO has issued yet another warning about the dangerously high level of federal debt in the United States: ‘because federal debt is already unusually high… further increases in debt could be especially harmful.’ Real per-person economic output could be around $5,000 lower in 25 years if substantial reductions are not implemented. This would have disastrous consequences for workers, families, and communities.

The report demolishes any argument that the decline in the size of our deficits provides any basis for the country to relax. Annual deficits and debt are certain to rise relentlessly and without end unless we take action. Delaying needed reforms only makes our challenge greater and the solution harder.

One of our largest budget items, touched on by CBO, is America’s trillion-dollar welfare budget. More and more Americans are being pushed out of work and onto welfare. Reforms to these programs are necessary to ensure not only that taxpayer dollars are being wisely spent, but that we are fulfilling our moral obligation to help more Americans become financially independent.”