( UPDATED List of key supporters of both bills )
TEAMWORK !!
Introduction: It seems all my lawmakers (of both parties) are scared of their shadow with regard to “doing the right thing” in both “spending cuts” and “tax cuts.” So, I'm dipping into the archives, and finding my letter to President Trump, dated Wednesday, 24 April 2019, where I “make my case” to The President that he should listen to me: I AM NOT ALONE! – But, since then, I've found more “supporters” for both bills—and am updating my list accordingly. THEREFORE, oh ye lawmakers, ye who be afraid—have faith and fear not: See how many other supporters there are, and stop cowering in fear: ACT before we crash the dollar!!
By Gordon Wayne Watts (GordonWatts.com / GordonWayneWatts.com) Date: Tuesday, 05 May 2020
My father (the late Bobby Watts, R.I.P., dad) once told me that if I was trying to fight a problem that was too big for me, to NOT “go it alone,” but rather, ask for help from others to add their voice to mine. To that end, here's a list ( with references ) of supporters of both bills for which I'm asking your advocacy & support, Pres. Trump.
“Loan Limits” bill –to limit use of U.S. Tax Dollars to make/back Collegiate Loans: aka spending cuts
“LOAN LIMITS” = “SPENDING CUTS” – Before we get going, let me make it clear: The “loan limits” requests of The President =EQUAL= “spending cuts,” in spite of occasional objections. TEST-TIME: Before I tell you why, can YOU tell ME why? That's right: “Loan Limits” equal “spending cuts,” because our tax dollars are being used to make or “back” (guarantee) said student loans. Given that student debt is almost TWO ($2,000,000,000,000.oo) TRILLION Dollars as of this writing – and thus almost TEN (10%) PERCENT of total U.S. Debt, we need to pay attention... and cut unnecessary wasteful spending: Since collage was once FREE in the U.S., or close to it, we needed NO student loans, much less ones made/backed by tax dollars! –Carry on...
(1) President Donald J. Trump (R-U.S.A.) – “Trump Proposes Limits On Student Loan Borrowing,” By Zack Friedman, FORBES, Tue. March 19, 2019: https://www.Forbes.com/sites/zackfriedman/2019/03/19/trump-proposes-limits-on-student-loans <<< ( You're correct, Mr. President –but you need help – see below... )
(2) (Retired) Rep. Ron Paul (R-TX-14th) (seeks and end to ALL U.S.-taxpayer-backed student loans –not merely a reduction on loan limits)
(3) (Current) U.S. Secretary of Education, Betsy DeVos (her comments strongly imply support for your bill)
(4) (Former) U.S. Secretary of Education, Dr. Bill Bennett (hint: The 'Bill Bennett Hypothesis')
(5) The Heritage Foundation (calls for elimination of subsidized student loans—decries profligate federal spending through subsidized student loans, which has fueled tuition inflation,driving up college costs and burdening families, thereby exposing taxpayers to $1.6 trillion in outstanding student loan debt)
(6) Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) (supports balanced budget within 10 years; has long advocated freezing spending for everything but defense at 2008 levels—also joined with 10 fellow Republican Senators in sending a letter to former House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) urging House Republican Leadership to make spending cuts of no less than $100 billion for Fiscal Year 2011, opposes Washington's reckless spending and resultant financial burdens on everyday Americans)
(7) Other Conservatives – on record as “Debt and deficit hawks” include (but are not limited to) President Donald J. Trump (R-U.S.A.); and, Sens. Rand Paul (R-KY), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Mike Lee (R-UT), and Marco Rubio (R-FL).
(8) Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL) (considers responsible fiscal oversight as one of the most important responsibilities of our federal government. Laments that this year’s federal budget deficit will likely be the largest in the history of our nation, in excess of the cumulative deficits for the first 200 years of our country’s existence, and end the year with more than $25 trillion in federal debt—opposes member projects & special-interest giveaways, complains how Congress is about to waste your money, supports fiscal conservatism, warns of looming fiscal crisis and financial system crashing down because of excess government spending and borrowing) Primary Sponsor of S.3708 - Agency Accountability Act, which, if passed, creates a temporary federal commission tasked with finding inefficiencies within the federal government, determining which federal agencies functions should be relegated to the private sector, and proposes recommendations for eliminating unnecessary agencies—in order to to help streamline operations and reduce waste at federal agencies. Companion bill to H.R.7226.
(9) Rep. Ross Spano (R-FL-15) (Laments that the national debt crossed the $22 Trillion-dollar threshold. Decries the hypocritical double standard in which American people are responsible with their personal finances, while their Congress and government continues an out-of-control spending spree. Warns that this is a clear and present danger to our national security. Identifies this as American spending problem, not a revenue problem. Reports that his constituents – which include the undersigned GORDON WAYNE WATTS of FLORIDA, U.S.A. – routinely voice concern about our escalating national debt and why Congress doesn't make hard choices necessary to deal with it.) Primary Sponsor of H.R.7226 - To establish a Federal Agency Sunset Commission, and for other purposes, which, if passed, creates a temporary federal commission tasked with finding inefficiencies within the federal government, determining which federal agencies functions should be relegated to the private sector, and proposes recommendations for eliminating unnecessary agencies—in order to to help streamline operations and reduce waste at federal agencies. Companion bill to S.3708.
(10) Rep. Greg Steube (R-FL-17) (opposed voting for a budget that would add over $300 billion in new spending with zero offsets. Laments that we have kicked the can down the road when it comes to our ever-growing national debt)
(11) Rep. Darren Soto (D-FL-09) (Objected to seven (7) years of a Republican Congress, which added seven ($7,000,000,000,000.oo) Trillion Dollars in national debt, even after going against the GOP Caucus’ promise to eliminate deficit. Self-identifies as a “fiscal conservative.”)
(12) Polk County resident, Royal Brown III (a member of a local Republican club) (Is a Heritage Action Sentinel who, along with his wife, Glynnda, do their best to influence our elected officials to curb their excess spending. Has gone on record publicly with his advocacy in a public Facebook post. Laments public ignorance that don't know a “Trillion” dollars is a THOUSAND billions. Opposes and decries RINO republicans and spendthrift Democrats who have desensitized the American public to lawmakers' reckless spending habits. Is NOT alone in the general public—but space does not permit me to “squeeze in” ALL the “angry as a hornet” comments from disgusted American citizens (see #13, below) of both or all political parties—yes, including many Democrats who oppose wasteful excesses in our obscenely reckless spending of precious and limited taxpayer dollars.)
(13) Many others: Ask petition-writer, Gordon Wayne Watts, for a list of friends who email and Facebook him—and others—about this. (Note to self: Crazy Robert William “Bob” Hartung's many emails; many Facebook friends of Mike Schmidt who “came out of the woodwork” in support of him when he was planning to run against Ross Spano in the GOP primary for Fla. Dist. 15, U.S. House of Representatives; “OpenTheBooks” private advocacy website regarding pork spending excesses; friends of both political parties who are opposed to endless wars, which [[a]] costs lives of American servicemen and servicewomen; [[b]] cost goodwill with other nations; and [[c]] cost Trillions, if not TENS of Trillions of precious and limited taxpayer dollars; Etc.) Many other friends and neighbours of Gordon W. Watts regularly report to him that they are disgusted with the irresponsibly reckless spendthrift spending habits of lawmakers (of both parties) who spend/waste our taxpayer dollars “like drunken sailors.” (Apologies to all drunken sailors for the comparison!) Too numerous to name, but ask them—if you are not afraid!
(14) Conservative writer, Gordon Wayne Watts (myself!) (Regularly complains of obscenely excessive spending by American lawmakers, and laments that this pushes the U.S.A. toward an inevitable crash of the U.S. Dollar if this poison trend is not reversed. Does so by several means, including, but not limited to, published columns and letters to the editor, social media, regular calls, visits, & e-mails to Federal lawmakers, occasional postal and electronic mail to The President, and his own web-wring. Author of this compilation of spending cuts supporters and various petitions to that same end. Is the same “Gordon Wayne Watts,” heavyweight conservative, who—in losing a 4-3 case at the Florida Supreme Court, almost won the legendary pro-life Terri Schiavo case—all by himself—doing better even than former Fla. Gov. Jeb Bush, who lost 7-0 before the same panel and on the same subject matter.)
(15) I assert that God Almighty is on my side on this: Hashtag: #Stewardship, anyone?
“Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds;” Proverbs 27:23 (NIV)
>> Sovereign King JESUS speaking >> “For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?” Luke 14:28 (ESV)
“If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches?” Luke 16:11 (ESV) << Sovereign King JESUS speaking << WORDS of OUR LORD in RED.
“Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.” 1 Corinthians 4:2 (ESV)
“So then each of us will give an account of himself to God.”Romans 14:12(ESV) Hashtag: #JudgmentDay
(16) With 1—15, above, take this list & copies of all three (3) of my columns in The Ledger to House & Senate Lawmakers, & get this loan limits bill passed into law. If Pres. Obama could “lobby for” the sorry ACA & get it passed into law, you can lobby for your bill! Don't let Mr. Obama outdo you, President Trump! Our nation depends on you.
REFERENCES – for the above claims:
(1) President Donald J. Trump (R-U.S.A.) – “Trump Proposes Limits On Student Loan Borrowing,” By Zack Friedman, FORBES, Tue. March 19, 2019: https://www.Forbes.com/sites/zackfriedman/2019/03/19/trump-proposes-limits-on-student-loans << (You're correct, Mr. President –but you need help – see below...)
(2) (Retired) Rep. Ron Paul (R-TX-14th) – Dr. Paul seeks and end to ALL U.S.-taxpayer-backed student loans (and not merely a reduction on loan limits) – “Ron Paul: End U.S. student loans,” By ASSOCIATED PRESS, 10/23/2011 12:35 PM EDT: https://www.Politico.com/story/2011/10/ron-paul-end-us-student-loans-066645
(3) (Current) U.S. Secretary of Education, Betsy DeVos – “Prepared Remarks by U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos to Federal Student Aid’s Training Conference,” By Hon. Betsy DeVos, U.S. Sec. of Education, U.S. Dept. of Ed, November 27, 2018: https://www.ed.gov/news/speeches/prepared-remarks-us-secretary-education-betsy-devos-federal-student-aids-training-conference where she said in salient part: “Tuition, fees, room and board have grown at twice the rate of inflation and almost two and a half times median income. [] It has something to do with what one of my predecessors [Dr. Bill Bennett] famously pointed out decades ago. When the federal government loans more taxpayer money, schools raise their rates. FSA financing accounts for 80 percent of the actual tuition and fee revenue received by schools. [] Today, FSA's portfolio is nearly 10 percent of our nation's debt. [] Stop and absorb that for a moment. Ten percent of our total national debt. [] The student loan program is not only burying students in debt, it is also burying taxpayers and it's stealing from future generations.” (Note: Sec. DeVos doesn't outright call for loan limits, but STRONGLY implies it, ok?)
(4) (Former) U.S. Secretary of Education, Dr. Bill Bennett – famous for the “Bill Bennett Hypothesis” (Google it), which states that subsidies have enabled & induced colleges to RAISE tuition! – “Our Greedy Colleges,” By Dr. WILLIAM J. 'Bill' BENNETT, The New York Times, February 18, 1987: https://www.NyTimes.com/1987/02/18/opinion/our-greedy-colleges.html
(5) The Heritage Foundation – QUOTE: “The budget wisely calls for elimination of subsidized student loans (saving $18 billion from 2021 to 2030), along with the elimination of Obama-era public service loan forgiveness (saving $52 billion from 2021 to 2030). It also would cap the Graduate PLUS loan program, saving $27.5 billion over 10 years, as well as the Parent PLUS loan program. [] The administration wisely would eliminate Public Service Loan Forgiveness—which passes the tab for public employees’ student loans onto taxpayers after 10 years. But is also would reduce from 20 years to 15 years the length of repayment for undergraduate students under the proposed Income Driven Repayment plan—a step in the wrong direction. [] Profligate federal spending through subsidized student loans has fueled tuition inflation, driving up college costs and burdening families. Student loan forgiveness policies have exposed taxpayers to $1.6 trillion in outstanding student loan debt.”
Source: “Trump Budget Cuts Size of Federal Government, but Bolder Reforms Needed,” by Justin Bogie @JustinBogie, Part-Time Senior Policy Analyst in Fiscal Affairs, The Heritage Foundation, Feb 10th, 2020, “31 min read,” LINK: https://www.Heritage.org/budget-and-spending/commentary/trump-budget-cuts-size-federal-government-bolder-reforms-needed
(6) Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) [[ SIX quotes ]]
RUBIO QUOTE, 1-of-6: “Rubio supports balancing the federal budget within 10 years and has long advocated freezing spending for everything but defense at 2008 levels. This year, the Florida senator proposed raising defense spending. He voted for the Senate Republican plan, which balances the budget and cuts $4.3 trillion in spending, including funds from Medicare and other programs. [] Source: PBS News Hour "2016 Candidate Stands" series , Apr 13, 2015,” Source: “Marco Rubio on Budget & Economy,” OnTheIssues, LINK: https://www.OnTheIssues.org/2016/Marco_Rubio_Budget_+_Economy.htm
RUBIO QUOTE, 2-of-6: “Presidents in both parties – from John F. Kennedy to Ronald Reagan – have known that our free enterprise economy is the source of our middle class prosperity. [] But President Obama? He believes it's the cause of our problems. That the economic downturn happened because our government didn't tax enough, spend enough and control enough. And, therefore, as you heard tonight, his solution to virtually every problem we face is for Washington to tax more, borrow more and spend more.”
Source: “Transcript: Marco Rubio's Republican Response,” By ABC News, February 12, 2013, 10:39 PM, 14 min read, LINK: https://ABCNews.go.com/Politics/transcript-marco-rubios-state-union-response/story?id=18484413
See also: “Marco Rubio on Budget & Economy,” OnTheIssues, LINK: https://www.OnTheIssues.org/2016/Marco_Rubio_Budget_+_Economy.htm
RUBIO QUOTE, 3-of-6: “Today, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio joined with 10 fellow Republican Senators in sending a letter to House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) urging House Republican Leadership to make spending cuts of no less than $100 billion for Fiscal Year 2011.” Source: PRESS RELEASE: “Senator Rubio Calls For Spending Cuts,” by Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL), February 04, 2011, LINK: https://www.Rubio.Senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=61bea6b5-7ff5-4c0b-b45e-abd690584bb1-30k
Fair Use Archive-1: https://GordonWatts.com/RUBIO-PressRelease-Feb-04-2011_PDF.pdf
Fair Use Archive-2: https://GordonWayneWatts.com/RUBIO-PressRelease-Feb-04-2011_PDF.pdf
RUBIO QUOTE, 4-of-6: “Without real spending cuts, future generations will be weighed down by high interest payments on our debt and won't be able to afford basic government functions, such as a strong national defense and social safety-net programs. [] That is why any future increase in the debt ceiling must be accompanied by real spending cuts and reforms to unsustainable entitlement programs...The president's goal should not be to find the path of least resistance to raise the debt ceiling. He should join the American people clamoring for a solution that creates jobs for the middle class, stops Washington's reckless spending, and preserves America's exceptionalism in the 21st century.” Source: “Marco Rubio: Stop Washington's reckless spending,” OPINION, by Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL), USA TODAY, Published 8:12 p.m. ET January 14, 2013 | Updated 8:22 p.m. ET January 14, 2013, LINK: https://www.USAToday.com/story/opinion/2013/01/14/debt-limit-marco-rubio/1834709
See also: PRESS RELEASE: “ICYMI: Rubio: Stop Washington's Reckless Spending,” by Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL), January 15, 2013, LINK: https://www.Rubio.Senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=9FE1D732-1B03-4C04-A377-6A9ECD5664E4-25k
Fair Use Archive-1: https://GordonWatts.com/RUBIO-PressRelease-Jan-15-2013_PDF.pdf
Fair Use Archive-2: https://GordonWayneWatts.com/RUBIO-PressRelease-Jan-15-2013_PDF.pdf
Fair Use Archive-3: https://Web.Archive.org/web/20200124215530/https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2013/01/14/debt-limit-marco-rubio/1834709
RUBIO QUOTE, 5-of-6: “This budget continues Washington’s irresponsible budgeting decisions by spending more money than the government takes in and placing additional financial burdens on everyday Americans.” Source: “Exclusive-Rubio: Budget Deal Threatens American Dream” by Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL), BREITBART, 11 December 2013, LINK: https://www.Breitbart.com/politics/2013/12/11/Budget-Deal-Fails-to-Stop-Washington-Spending-Problems
See also: PRESS RELEASE: “ICYMI: Rubio: Budget Deal Fails To Stop Washington Spending Problems,” by Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL), December 12, 2013, LINK: https://www.Rubio.Senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2013/12/icymi-rubio-budget-deal-fails-to-stop-washington-spending-problems
Fair Use Archive-1: https://GordonWatts.com/RUBIO-PressRelease-Dec-12-2013_PDF.pdf
Fair Use Archive-2: https://GordonWayneWatts.com/RUBIO-PressRelease-Dec-12-2013_PDF.pdf
Fair Use Archive-3: https://Web.Archive.org/web/20200124220654/https://www.Rubio.Senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2013/12/icymi-rubio-budget-deal-fails-to-stop-washington-spending-problems
RUBIO QUOTE, 6-of-6: “Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) released the following statement today after the Senate failed to pass a $14.8 billion rescissions package of 2018 spending cuts: [] “At a time when our country faces serious fiscal challenges, we can’t even rescind money that will never be spent? Today’s vote was a disappointment, and it’s time we got serious about getting our federal spending under control.””
Source: PRESS RELEASE: “Rubio Statement on Senate Failure to Cut Spending,” by Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL), June 20, 2018, LINK: https://www.Rubio.Senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/6/rubio-statement-on-senate-failure-to-cut-spending
Editor's Note: This was very brave of Senator Rubio, that is, to confront fellow-Republicans, as we recall that the GOP held the Senate after the 2016 elections, and also when he made this June 2018 statement, before the subsequent elections—which meant that the GOP was still in control. Brave! https://En.Wikipedia.org/wiki/2016_United_States_Senate_elections
Fair Use Archive-1: https://GordonWatts.com/RUBIO-PressRelease-June-20-2018_PDF.pdf
Fair Use Archive-2: https://GordonWayneWatts.com/RUBIO-PressRelease-June-20-2018_PDF.pdf
Fair Use Archive-3: https://Web.Archive.org/web/20200124212658/https://www.rubio.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2018/6/rubio-statement-on-senate-failure-to-cut-spending
(7) Other Conservatives – QUOTE: “Debt and deficit hawks on Wednesday blasted the Senate vote against starting work on a bill to cut $15 billion in unspent federal funds. [] The Senate called up a House bill to rescind that money and called for a vote to start debate on the bill. But the Senate voted against the idea 48-50, after two Republicans voted with Democrats: Sens. Susan Collins of Maine and Richard Burr of North Carolina. [] Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., said the vote shows how unwilling Congress is to cut any spending, even when it's unspent money appropriated in years past...Paul said Congress needs to "grow up" and recognize that the U.S. government will fail at some point in the future "when it goes broke." [] Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, tweeted that he was "disappointed" in the Senate vote. Senator Ted Cruz ✔ @SenTedCruz I am disappointed the Senate failed today to pass the President’s $15 billion spending cut package. This is a small, but critical, first step to rein in wasteful government spending and provide relief from our nation's crippling debt. 3,338 3:31 PM - Jun 20, 2018 [] Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, took an indirect shot at Collins and Burr for voting with Democrats not to cut the unneeded funds. [] "I thought we all campaigned on cutting wasteful spending," Lee said. "I thought our party was about lowering federal deficits by lowering federal spending." [] "It saddens me to see people who campaigned on lower spending break their promise and vote with Democrats against President Trump," he said. [] Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., agreed with his colleagues. [] "At a time when our country faces serious fiscal challenges, we can’t even rescind money that will never be spent?" Rubio asked. "Today's vote was a disappointment, and it's time we got serious about getting our federal spending under control."” Source: “Conservatives rip Senate for rejecting cuts to $15 billion in unspent funds,” by Pete Kasperowicz, The Washington Examiner, June 20, 2018, 03:35 PM, LINK:
See also: https://Twitter.com/SenTedCruz/status/1009519174048210945
Archive: https://Web.Archive.org/web/20200217211204/https://twitter.com/SenTedCruz/status/1009519174048210945
(8) Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL) [[ FIVE quotes ]]
Scott quote 1-of-5: “Responsible fiscal oversight is one of the most important responsibilities of our federal government. And let’s not forget, this year’s federal budget deficit will be the largest in the history of our nation, in excess of the cumulative deficits for the first 200 years of our country’s existence. We will end the year with more than $25 trillion in federal debt.” PRESS RELEASE: “Sen. Rick Scott Asks IRS to Address Improper Payments and Get Money to Americans in Need,” by Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL), Thursday, April 23, 2020, LINK:
Wayback Archive:
Archive Today: http://Archive.vn/wip/Q3aAb
Archive-3: https://GordonWatts.com/Rick-Scott-4-23-2020-PressRelease_PDF.pdf
Archive-4: https://GordonWayneWatts.com/Rick-Scott-4-23-2020-PressRelease_PDF.pdf
Scott quote 2-of-5: “Senator Rick Scott said, “I appreciate the work done by President Trump, Secretary Mnuchin, Leader McConnell and Senator Shelby. These are complicated deals to negotiate in divided government and I want to thank them for their hard work. This bill allows for significant investment in our military and doesn’t include the liberal poison bills that House Democrats usually try to insert into important legislation. That’s the good. [] “Unfortunately, this bill allows for trillions of dollars to be added to our national debt, includes huge increases in nondefense discretionary spending, and doesn’t even try to pay for it by cutting wasteful spending. I’m worried about the staggering debt we’re leaving for our children and grandchildren. Too often in Washington, compromise means both sides get everything they want so that no one has to make a tough choice. I can’t support that. As Governor of Florida, I turned a $4 billion deficit into $3 billion annual surpluses and was the first Governor in 20 years to pay down state debt. We paid down $10 billion in state debt – almost one-third of total debt. It can be done, but you have to be willing to make tough choices.”
Source: PRESS RELEASE: “Sen. Rick Scott: I Can’t Support Budget Deal That Increases Our National Debt,” by Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL), Sunday, July 28, 2019, LINK:
https://www.RickScott.Senate.gov/sen-rick-scott-i-cant-support-budget-deal-increases-our-national-debt ** Editor's Note: Regardless of what you think of him, he was working hard—even on a Sunday; take a 2ND look at the day and date, above.
Fair Use Archive-1: https://GordonWatts.com/SCOTT-PressRelease-July-28-2019_PDF.pdf
Fair Use Archive-2: https://GordonWayneWatts.com/SCOTT-PressRelease-July-28-2019_PDF.pdf
Fair Use Archive-3: https://Web.Archive.org/web/20200130041723/https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/sen-rick-scott-i-cant-support-budget-deal-increases-our-national-debt
Scott quote 3-of-5: “This week, Congress is set to vote on a giant spending package — 2,313 pages long — that was just released, was negotiated in secret, spends $1.4 trillion, and is chock full of member projects and special-interest giveaways. [] To put that number in context: Without any opportunity to read the bill, Congress will vote to spend more than $4,200 for every man, woman, and child in America. That’s on top of the $23 trillion in debt we’ve already accumulated, not to mention that the federal government is already running a trillion-dollar deficit, every year. [] For years, Republicans fought against wasteful spending under the Obama administration. My party (rightly) argued that our debt and deficits were unsustainable, that we were leaving a burden that future generations simply couldn’t afford. At some point, the bill will come due. [] Unfortunately, after regaining control of Congress, my party has shown an almost equal disregard for the dangers of our growing national debt and annual deficits as have the Democrats. Sure, you can argue that, in order to prevent a government shutdown, we have to work with Nancy Pelosi and House and Senate Democrats to get an agreement. But I look at these spending bills and wonder, How would they be different if Nancy Pelosi sat in her office and wrote them by herself? She’s driving this train, making sure Democratic priorities are funded, and we’re letting her...This is not how Washington is supposed to work. [] The average American holds Congress in low regard, and after one year in the Senate, I’ve learned just how well-earned that disdain is...It’s time to stop the madness. How many more trillions of dollars do we need to spend before we wake up to the danger of our national debt? [] We need to reform the way Washington works, and we need to do it now.” Source: PRESS RELEASE: “Merry Christmas, Here’s How Congress Is about to Waste Your Money,” by Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL), Thursday, December 19, 2019, LINK: https://www.RickScott.Senate.gov/merry-christmas-heres-how-congress-about-waste-your-money
Fair Use Archive-1: https://GordonWatts.com/SCOTT-PressRelease-Dec-19-2019_PDF.pdf
Fair Use Archive-2: https://GordonWayneWatts.com/SCOTT-PressRelease-Dec-19-2019_PDF.pdf
Fair Use Archive-3: https://Web.Archive.org/web/20200113085723/https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/merry-christmas-heres-how-congress-about-waste-your-money
See also: “Merry Christmas, Here’s How Congress Is about to Waste Your Money,” by Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL), National Review, December 18, 2019, 6:01 PM, LINK: https://www.NationalReview.com/2019/12/federal-budget-spending-debt-grow-both-parties-to-blame
Scott quote 4-of-5: “Today, Senator Rick Scott released the fourth episode of his “Let’s Get Back to Work” video series...highlighting everything Congress is not getting done for the American people, like lowering the cost of prescription drugs, passing No Budget, No Pay and securing the border.” Source: PRESS RELEASE: “Sen. Rick Scott: Let’s Get Back To Work and Pass No Budget, No Pay,” by Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL), Saturday, January 25, 2020, LINK: https://www.RickScott.Senate.gov/sen-rick-scott-lets-get-back-work-and-pass-no-budget-no-pay ** Editor's Note: Regardless of what you think of him, he was working hard—even on a Saturday; take a 2ND look at the day and date, above.
Fair Use Archive-1: https://GordonWatts.com/SCOTT-PressRelease-Jan-25-2020_PDF.pdf
Fair Use Archive-2: https://GordonWayneWatts.com/SCOTT-PressRelease-Jan-25-2020_PDF.pdf
Fair Use Archive-3: https://Web.Archive.org/web/20200202081824/https://www.RickScott.Senate.gov/sen-rick-scott-lets-get-back-work-and-pass-no-budget-no-pay
Scott quote 5-of-5: “In Washington, fiscal conservatism goes out the window during a crisis. As we work to solve the coronavirus crisis, make no mistake – Congress has significantly exacerbated and sped up our looming fiscal crisis. Even during the economic boom we were experiencing, our federal government was set to spend approximately $4.6 trillion dollars while collecting only $3.6 trillion in taxes and fees. [] Now, with the downturn in the economy and the new stimulus bill, the federal government this year will spend more than $7 trillion and collect much less than anticipated. [] If our financial system comes crashing down because of excess government spending and borrowing, history suggests we will either have runaway inflation, where the price of goods skyrockets, or deflation, where goods get cheaper by the day. Both of these scenarios hurt the poorest families and those living on a fixed income...That is exactly what happened to my mother’s generation that grew up during the Clutch Plague. She had to work multiple odd jobs to feed five children...Congress will soon be faced with tough choices about what programs are "must haves" and what programs are "nice to haves." If it wasn’t clear before, it must be now: we can no longer afford many government programs that are simply nice to have...It’s time to take action. Politicians in Washington no longer have time to hide behind the cowardice of political expediency. As I stated after Congress passed the CARES Act, once this crisis is over, we must make a plan to cut federal spending by at least the amount we spend during the crisis. There is no other option.” [Emphasis by bold/italics in original. ~~Editor]
Source: PRESS RELEASE: “After coronavirus, for US to survive, we must tackle looming debt crisis: Sen. Rick Scott,” by Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL), Monday, May 4, 2020, LINK: https://www.RickScott.Senate.gov/after-coronavirus-us-survive-we-must-tackle-looming-debt-crisis-sen-rick-scott
Archive-1: https://GordonWatts.com/SCOTT-PressRelease-May-4-2020_PDF.pdf
Archive-2: https://GordonWayneWatts.com/SCOTT-PressRelease-May-4-2020_PDF.pdf
See also: “After coronavirus, for US to survive, we must tackle looming debt crisis: Sen. Rick Scott: Congress has significantly exacerbated and sped up our looming fiscal crisis,” by Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL), FOXBusiness, May 4, 2020, LINK: https://www.FoxBusiness.com/economy/coronavirus-us-debt-crisis-sen-rick-scott
(9) Rep. Ross Spano (R-FL-15) [[ TWO quotes ]]
Spano quote 1-of-2: “According to Department of the Treasury numbers earlier this month, the national debt which refers to debt to direct liabilities of the United States Government, crossed the $22 Trillion-dollar threshold. [] “We cannot in good conscience ask the American people to be responsible with their personal finances, while their Congress and government continues an out-of-control spending spree,” said Representative Spano. “With our national debt now topping over $22 trillion dollars, and growing, this weight on our national finances is a clear and present danger to our national security.”...“America has a spending problem, not a revenue problem...” Said Representative Biggs.”
Source: PRESS RELEASE: “Spano Joins Colleagues in Recognizing National Debt as a Threat to National Security: Public Debt Now Tops: $22,067,095,964,458.39,” by Rep. Ross Spano (R-FL-15), Washington, DC, February 27, 2019, LINK: https://Spano.House.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=38
Archive-1: https://GordonWatts.com/SPANO-PressRelease-Feb-27-2019_PDF.pdf
Archive-2: https://GordonWayneWatts.com/SPANO-PressRelease-Feb-27-2019_PDF.pdf
Spano quote 2-of-2: “As I have crossed the district, my constituents routinely voice concern about our escalating national debt and why Congress does not make the hard choices necessary to deal with the problem. Hardworking American families are forced to balance their checkbook every month, and they wonder why Washington doesn’t have to do the same.” Source: PRESS RELEASE: “Spano Insists on Fiscal Responsibility,” by Rep. Ross Spano (R-FL-15), Washington, DC, July 25, 2019, LINK: https://Spano.House.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2173
Archive-1: https://GordonWatts.com/SPANO-PressRelease-July-25-2019_PDF.pdf
Archive-2: https://GordonWayneWatts.com/SPANO-PressRelease-July-25-2019_PDF.pdf
(10) Rep. Greg Steube (R-FL-17)
Quote: “WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, Congressman Greg Steube (FL-17) offered the following statement on his opposition to the proposed budget agreement: [] "I cannot in good conscience vote for a budget proposal that would add over $300 billion in new spending with zero offsets. For too long we have kicked the can down the road when it comes to our ever-growing national debt, and though I am pleased by the reversal of the sequester that would try to balance the budget on the backs of our military, this bill simply spends too much money."” Source: PRESS RELEASE: “Steube Announces Opposition to the Proposed Budget Agreement,” by Rep. Greg Steube (R-FL-17), Washington, DC, July 24, 2019, LINK: https://Steube.House.gov/media/press-releases/steube-announces-opposition-proposed-budget-agreement
Archive-1: https://GordonWatts.com/STEUBE-PressRelease-July-24-2019_PDF.pdf
Archive-2: https://GordonWayneWatts.com/STEUBE-PressRelease-July-24-2019_PDF.pdf
(11) Rep. Darren Soto (D-FL-09)
[Editor's Note: Yes, a Democrat calling for fiscal restraint; however, The Register, who is reporting on this, is NOT prejudiced, DOES have honour, and IS fair and honest. Thus, we will report on ALL good deeds, be they Republican, Democrat, or otherwise—to gather support needed to avert the looming crash of the U.S. Dollar. → Carry on...]
Quote: “On the House Floor, Rep. Soto reiterated that 7 years of a Republican Congress has added $7 Trillion in national debt, going against the Caucus’ promise to eliminate deficit. [] “I ask the Freedom Caucus, I ask all those other so-called fiscal conservatives in this Chamber. Where is all your big talk about the debt now? Is your desire to claim a victory worth betraying your deepest principals forever? Because if you all vote for this, the tea party movement is dead, broken beyond any stretch of credibility, and relegated to a laughingstock of history,” said Rep. Darren Soto on the House Floor...In 2010 “Tea Party” Republicans were swept into office on a passionate plea to eliminate the deficit, to reduce the national debt, to not pass this great fiscal burden onto our children. Upon election they formed the boldly named “Freedom Caucus”, the fiscal watchdogs of the House. [] At that time in 2010, the national debt was $13 Trillion dollars and they were “deeply concerned about our nation’s fiscal situation and recognized the danger it posed to our economic well-being and national security” [] And they made a promise: “to do everything in their power to reign in wasteful spending, fraud and abuse and push for tough reforms to ensure we get governments fiscal house in order.” [] Now here we are in 2017 after nearly 7 years of a Republican controlled Congress, the Chamber under our Constitution charged with originating all spending bills. And now the debt is over $20 Trillion. That’s 7 years of a Republican Congress and $7 Trillion in additional debt.” [Emphasis by boldface & italics in original. ~~Editor] Source: PRESS RELEASE: “IN FLOOR SPEECH, SOTO REJECTS REPUBLICAN DEFICIT-EXPLODING BUDGET, CALLS ON FREEDOM CAUCUS DEBT BETRAYAL,” by Rep. Darren Soto (D-FL-09), Washington, DC, October 26, 2017, LINK: https://Soto.House.gov/media/press-releases/floor-speech-soto-rejects-republican-deficit-exploding-tax-cuts-wealthy-calls
Archive-1: https://GordonWatts.com/SOTO-PressRelease-Oct-26-2017_PDF.pdf
Archive-2: https://GordonWayneWatts.com/SOTO-PressRelease-Oct-26-2017_PDF.pdf
(12) Polk County resident, Royal Brown III (a member of a local Republican club) (Is a Heritage Action Sentinel who, along with his wife, Glynnda, do their best to influence our elected officials to curb their excess spending. Has gone on record publicly with his advocacy in a public Facebook post. Laments public ignorance that don't know a “Trillion” dollars is a THOUSAND billions. Opposes and decries RINO republicans and spendthrift Democrats who have desensitized the American public to lawmakers' reckless spending habits. Is NOT alone in the general public—but space does not permit me to “squeeze in” ALL the “angry as a hornet” comments from disgusted American citizens (see #13, below) of both or all political parties—yes, including many Democrats who oppose wasteful excesses in our obscenely reckless spending of precious and limited taxpayer dollars.)
[Editor's Note: You know things are desperate when I “dip into” quoting private citizens—but Mr. Brown was kind enough to post his views publicly—and given that we're about to Crash the U.S. Dollar, it's time to “pull out all the stops”: Indeed, I'm not treating Mr. Brown any differently than I would treat myself—note, please, that I'm putting MY name out there, and quoting MYSELF—see the following entries, (#13 and #14), right below, for proof.]
(13) Many others: Ask petition-writer, Gordon Wayne Watts, for a list of friends who email and Facebook him—and others—about this. (Note to self: Crazy Robert William “Bob” Hartung's many emails; many Facebook friends of Mike Schmidt who “came out of the woodwork” in support of him when he was planning to run against Ross Spano in the GOP primary for Fla. Dist. 15, U.S. House of Representatives; “OpenTheBooks” private advocacy website regarding pork spending excesses; friends of both political parties who are opposed to endless wars, which [[a]] costs lives of American servicemen and servicewomen; [[b]] cost goodwill with other nations; and [[c]] cost Trillions, if not TENS of Trillions of precious and limited taxpayer dollars; Etc.) Many other friends and neighbours of Gordon W. Watts regularly report to him that they are disgusted with the irresponsibly reckless spendthrift spending habits of lawmakers (of both parties) who spend/waste our taxpayer dollars “like drunken sailors.” (Apologies to all drunken sailors for the comparison!) Too numerous to name, but ask them—if you are not afraid!
(14) Conservative writer, Gordon Wayne Watts (myself!) (Regularly complains of obscenely excessive spending by American lawmakers, and laments that this pushes the U.S.A. toward an inevitable crash of the U.S. Dollar if this poison trend is not reversed. Does so by several means, including, but not limited to, published columns[[**]] and letters to the editor, social media, regular calls, visits, & e-mails to Federal lawmakers, occasional postal and electronic mail to The President, and his own web-wring. Author of this compilation of spending cuts supporters and various petitions to that same end. Is the same “Gordon Wayne Watts,” heavyweight conservative, who—in losing a 4-3 case at the Florida Supreme Court, almost won the legendary pro-life Terri Schiavo case—all by himself—doing better even than former Fla. Gov. Jeb Bush, who lost 7-0 before the same panel and on the same subject matter.) SOURCES for Gordon Wayne Watts – the text of TWO (2) VERSIONS of your 'Loan Limits' bill (reversing Boehner's bad bill!) is HERE, Mr. President –and included in the attachments with this data-sheet:
https://GordonWatts.com/BILLS-116hr-GWW-proposed-ih.pdf and here:
https://GordonWayneWatts.com/BILLS-116hr-GWW-proposed-ih.pdf and ARCHIVED:
https://Web.Archive.org/web/20200701044851/https://GordonWatts.com/BILLS-116hr-GWW-proposed-ih.pdf
...here, too: http://Archive.vn/wip/Sm730 – Oops, seems to have only gotten 1st page via PDF. Trying again:
Apparently an HTML archive: http://archive.vn/wip/hbd7J
Apparently a *.doc Word doc archive: http://archive.vn/wip/FUnj1 (??) Still hasn't loaded. Trying again...
Apparently a *.doc Word doc archive: http://archive.vn/wip/CjpWR (??) ...LOL.
Switching back to Wayback machine: https://Web.Archive.org/web/20200701051512/https://GordonWayneWatts.com/BILLS-116hr-GWW-proposed-ih.pdf
[[**]]My published columns:
** "A Polk Perspective: Fix our bankrupt policy on student debt," By Gordon Wayne Watts, Guest columnist, The Ledger, August 04, 2016; FAIR USE *.pdf cache **and**
** "Polk Perspective: Rescue taxpayers from mounting student debt," By Gordon Wayne Watts, Guest columnist, The Ledger, November 16, 2018;FAIR USE *.pdf cache **and AGAIN**
** "Polk Perspective: Offer relief for taxes dressed up as ’loans’," By Gordon Wayne Watts, Guest columnist, The Ledger, November 19, 2019; FAIR USE *.pdf cache
(15) I assert that God Almighty is on my side on this: Hashtag: #Stewardship, anyone?
“Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds;” Proverbs 27:23 (NIV)
>> Sovereign King JESUS speaking >> “For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?” Luke 14:28 (ESV)
“If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches?” Luke 16:11 (ESV) << Sovereign King JESUS speaking << WORDS of OUR LORD in RED.
“Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.” 1 Corinthians 4:2 (ESV)
“So then each of us will give an account of himself to God.”Romans 14:12(ESV) Hashtag: #JudgmentDay
(16) With 1—15, above, take this list & copies of all three (3) of my columns in The Ledger to House & Senate Lawmakers, & get this loan limits bill passed into law. If Pres. Obama could “lobby for” the sorry ACA & get it passed into law, you can lobby for your bill! Don't let Mr. Obama outdo you, President Trump! Our nation depends on you.