We are in debt crisis because Washington spends too much
By Cong. Lamar Smith
Texas Insider Report: AUSTIN Texas The month of June brought another disappointing jobs report. Our countrys unemployment rate rose to 9.2. Unemployment now has been above 8 for 29 straight months. The unemployment rate has not been above 8 for this long since the Great Depression. The ongoing negotiations over raising the debt ceiling are a critical part of our larger debate in Washington about the best way to create jobs.
Republicans believe reducing out-of-control government spending will stimulate job creation. In the debt ceiling discussions we have been clear that spending cuts will have to be larger than the increase in the debt ceiling the President is asking for.
Our nations $14.3 trillion debt threatens the economic security of future generations.
Republicans will not support legislation that raises taxes. The American people pay enough taxes already. We are in a debt crisis because Washington spends too much not because we tax too little.
We also support a Constitutional amendment requiring a balanced federal budget so that we can address the underlying causes of our debt.
The House Judiciary Committee recently approved such a balanced budget amendment which would restore fiscal responsibility and accountability to federal government spending. This legislation will be voted on by the full House next week.
Through legislation like the balanced budget amendment we can get federal spending under control.
The federal government could learn a lot about job creation from Texas.
Forbes Magazine recently ranked the top 10 cities in the country that are best positioned for growth in the coming decades. It is no surprise that four 
of those cities are in Texas and two are close by. Austin & San Antonio have become major hubs for jobs and families."
Texas unemployment rate has remained under the national average. Lower taxes and reduced business regulations have convinced many companies to move their headquarters to the Lone Star State.
That model could be replicated successfully at the federal level. But instead Congressional Democrats continue to advocate for tax increases.
There has never been a time in history when tax increases have created jobs.
Americas continued economic prosperity depends on changing our course and reducing federal spending and growing deficits.
House Republicans are committed to lowering spending. We have a plan to lessen the regulatory burdens that stifle small business reform the tax code encourage innovation and enact significant spending cuts to pay down our debt.
We must solve our debt crisis to secure the economic future of our nation.
Lamar Smith R-San Antonio has represented the 21st Congressional District of Texas since 1987.
