Oklahoma understands the importance of balancing a budget—our families do it every day in our personal lives. And there is no reason that our country should not be able to do the same.

This is why I am proud to support the U.S. House of Representatives budget proposal that balances in less than 10 years—ensuring that our federal government lives within its means.  The plan fully repeals Obamacare, setting the stage for good government, patient-centered reforms. And it calls for a simpler, flatter tax code that will promote job growth and help Oklahomans provide for their families.

Repealing Obamacare alone would save Americans tax dollars and remove harmful regulations and government mandates.  As a business owner, I have seen how this misguided law and other heavy regulations are hurting jobs.  And I will remain supportive of efforts like this that reduce the size of government and restore individual liberties.

What’s more, by prioritizing a balanced budget the House plan upholds Oklahoma values.

This January during a telephone town hall forum, a district wide telephone conference call that I hold regularly to hear your views, I asked participants if they would support a plan to balance the federal budget in 10 years.

Seventy percent of respondents said they favored the 10-year approach.

Paying down our national debt is one of the greatest challenges facing our nation.  But I was sent to Washington to tackle these types of tough problems.

So the first step is setting our priorities straight.

I was disappointed, but not surprised, when the president offered a budget that never balances and raises $1 trillion in new taxes.  If we want a future for our children, we must take steps now to ensure that today's debt does not saddle tomorrow's opportunities. 

Oklahomans get this, which is why they joined America in sending a clear message to Washington last November—they want a government that acts responsibility.  By continuing his tax-and-spend policies, the president has ignored the will of the American people.  And it is these types of action that he must be held accountable for.

I urge the president to listen to the American people and come to the negotiating table.  We need to start paying down our national debt now.  We need a plan that sets up future generations for success. And we need the will of the American people to be fulfilled.

It is time to set our country on the right path.

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