Rep. Blackburn & DesJarlais Op-Ed: Cut, Cap and Balance to Bring Real Recovery

In the coming weeks, Congress will consider a measure to raise the federal debt limit. Put simply, government expenditures exceed revenues, and we have maxed out the credit card to cover the difference. If government is to operate at current or even reduced levels, Congress will have to authorize an increase in the debt limit. The latest assessment of our debt indicates it will reach 109 percent of GDP in the next decade. The daily interest payments on our debt to China are sufficient to allow them to purchase several fighter jets per week. There is plenty of blame to share for how we got into this mess, but what is clearer than ever is that deficit spending has to stop.