Washington, D.C.—Representative Mike Kelly (PA-03) issued the following statement in response to President Obama’s State of the Union Address:
“While it’s encouraging that President Obama thinks we need to get serious about our national debt, it’s downright troubling that he thinks a spending freeze at 2010 levels will do the trick.  We are in debt up to our eyeballs, and if we don’t get a grip on the runaway spending in Washington, we will squander our children’s chance at the American dream.
 
“As we face crippling debt and historically high unemployment rates, we need decisive leadership and we need action. There’s been too much debate in this town about whether we need to make budget cuts with a scalpel or a hatchet. I say bring out the chainsaws.
 
“Today, 17 House Democrats joined Republicans in approving a resolution that would immediately roll back non-security discretionary spending to 2008 levels and repeal all remaining spending from the Democrats’ failed stimulus package. It was a show of bipartisan leadership that signals to the American people that their government is committed to getting our finances in order. We will work to make those cuts, and we will work to reform government to make it more efficient, effective and accountable.
 
“While the role of government is vital, it should be limited, and it certainly shouldn’t get in the way of private sector job creation. Any government “targeted investment” should involve lowering the corporate tax rate and removing burdensome regulation that is neither necessary nor beneficial. As a member of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee and the Education and Workforce Committee, I will serve as the voice of small business and represent private sector interests to promote policies that encourage rather than encumber growth.”