With the debt-limit clock ticking, President Barack Obama said it’s imperative that a deal is made. San Diego congressional representatives share their positions in the debate over an issue that will affect every American. Bob Filner, D-San Diego, did not respond.
Rep. Brian Bilbray, R-Solana Beach
Will accept the dollar-for-dollar plan that requires a cut in spending equal to the amount the debt ceiling would rise, but only if it can guarantee the U.S. can “make the next mortgage payment” without having to raise the debt limit again.
He believes that entitlement programs need to be restructured for the next generation so to make them sustainable.
In his words:
–“Raising the debt limit has to be accepted as a failure in the system.”
–“The president lecturing people on how to do this job is not leadership on this item, especially when you come from a history of voting against raising debt limit.”
Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-Alpine
Hunter’s insistence on spending cuts hasn’t changed. He said his position ultimately will depend on what the plan looks like and whether it makes the appropriate spending cuts. Hunter stresses that entitlement reform and tax reform must be on the table.
In his words:
–“There must be spending cuts, plain and simple.”
–“It’s improbable to think that our budget problems can be settled with cuts to only to discretionary spending, whether it be defense, education or anything else. The real dollars and opportunity for cost savings are in mandatory spending.”
Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Vista
Issa stands ready to raise the debt ceiling. He said that when both parties have reached the point where they can agree to $1.7 trillion in cuts, they need to go the rest of the way and get a deal for the good of the American people.
In his words:
–“The American people deserve to have the government continue running, but running at a rate that spends less. I have no doubt that (House Majority Leader) Eric Cantor and Speaker Boehner intend to make sure that happens.”
–“We are not going to default, the chance is zero. America is good, we pay our bills, and we are the best place in the world for people to put money knowing that it’s going to be safe. That’s not going to change.”
Rep. Susan Davis, D-San Diego
Davis is in favor of a larger package that would address spending cuts, tax reform and entitlement reform. She is optimistic that lawmakers will address the critical fiscal challenges facing the nation.
In her words:
–“We have no business holding seniors, pensioners, military families and ultimately American businesses, bank accounts and stock portfolios hostage.”
–“History shows that Democrats have never shrunk from that responsibility, but right now we must send the message that the United States of America is prepared and committed to paying its bills.”