Issues: Fiscal Responsibility
Fiscal Responsibility
Over the last few years we have seen accountability in government spending disappear. Excessive pork barrel projects, rapid entitlement growth, and an expensive war have led us to record budget deficits and a national debt that has more than doubled since 2000. Because of this behavior, we are passing an enormous burden onto future generations. We need to balance the budget, reduce pork barrel spending, pay down the national debt, and modernize the federal government. This will improve efficiency and effectiveness, and eliminate waste. I will introduce fiscal stewardship to our nation’s budget policies through the Esch National Deficit Reduction Agenda (E.N.D.R.A.).
Balanced Budget Enforcement Act - This will force Congress to balance the budget each year and implement a “pay-as-you-go” philosophy. The majority of American families live this way; it is shameful that our government cannot operate with the same fiscal discipline as the average American family.Earmark Reform Act - This Act will guarantee that the next “Bridge to Nowhere” project goes nowhere. Spending will be reduced by initiating reforms that fully disclose the earmark process, and requiring justification for the need for each earmarked project.
Federal Efficiency and Effectiveness Act - This Act will create a bi-partisan committee to work with the Government Accountability Office (the nation’s auditor). This committee will implement performance, budget, and management reforms focused on creating an efficient and effective government. Ineffective and outdated programs in all departments will be weeded out, and the retained programs will be strengthened based on pre-determined goals and measurable outcomes.
Federal Government Modernization Act - Modernization of our Federal Government is long overdue. Switching from our current paper based system to an electronic system and adopting an accrual accounting method will greatly improve our government’s effectiveness and reliability. An electronic based system will save tens of millions of dollars each year, and will serve to update the federal government’s technology infrastructure and improve efficiency. By using the accounting procedures we require of our corporations, we can accurately reflect the health and stability of our fiscal policies over the long-term.