Gallego Joins Group in Calling for Bipartisanship to Address Fiscal Issues

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Pete Gallego (T X-23) has joined a group of Republican and Democratic freshman members in crafting a statement of principles to address the nation’s fiscal issues and calling for bipartisanship.

“There’s a noticeable difference in the relationship between the new class,” said Congressman Gallego.  “We want to work together. We want to get things done. We know we won’t agree on everything- but we are hopeful that we can find a compromise that makes sense for our families and our future.

I’m optimistic that we can find a balanced approach that protects our veterans and our seniors, and still protects the fiscal well-being of our nation. This is a good first step.”

The Representatives who have signed on to the letter so far are:

Andy Barr, Kerry Bentivolio, Ami Bera, Susan Brooks,  Tony Cardena, Kevin Cramer, Rodney Davis, Pete Gallego, Joe Garcia, George Holding, David Joyce, Ann Kirkpatrick, Anne Mclane Kuster, Mark Meadows, Grace Meng, Luke Messer, Markwayne Mullin, Scott Peters, Robert Pittenger, Trey Radel, Tom Rice, Keith Rothfus, Kyrsten Sinema, Chris Stewart, Steve Stockman, Eric Swalwell, Jackie Walorski, Randy Weber, Brad Wenstrup, Roger Williams, and Ted Yoho.

The statement is included below for your reference.

Bipartisan Freshman Members’ Statement of Principles:

EMBARGOED UNTIL 12:30PM ON THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14

 The 113th Congress House Republican and Democratic new members are troubled by the fiscal crisis facing the country, with burdensome debt and trillion dollar annual deficits, which affect economic growth for all and healthcare assurances for our seniors.  Members of our class implore the President and Congress to address this serious challenge now.  In recent years, Congress has lacked the political will to come together and find solutions.  The freshman members of the 113th Congress believe now is the time to work together.

We call upon leadership to no longer accept piecemeal solutions and to work toward finding long-term solutions to avoid financial collapse like Greece and other European countries.  The bi-partisan freshmen members, as noted below, come to the table with mutual understanding and without personal agendas or political gamesmanship.

We affirm the following actions to secure the fiscal health of our nation:

·         Strengthen and Preserve Medicare and Social Security – While protecting current recipients and seniors, we must reform the Medicare and Social Security’s long-term financial obligations by addressing rising health care costs and changing demographics.  The goal is to make sure these essential programs meet our obligations to our seniors and ensure that these bedrocks are available to future generations, while reducing our long-term deficit and debt issues.

·         Promote economic growth to generate revenue – Of critical importance is a fair and broad tax plan including eliminating excessive corporate subsidies, tax loopholes and other subsidies to provide lower rates, that will encourage a pro-growth economy, providing added revenue for the federal budget.  We must also encourage innovation with less stringent regulation to help small businesses grow, which will lower unemployment.

·         Cutting spending – While some spending cuts have already been made, we must look for additional savings moving forward to further reduce spending, while seeking to protect the programs that are crucial to our future health as a nation.

·         Identify efficiencies and consolidations – Restructure and consolidate agencies and departments, eliminating duplication and waste.

·         Medicaid fraud – Aggressively pursue Medicaid fraud, waste and abuse.

We believe that a bipartisan effort encompassing these needed reforms will yield a prosperous future for our country, while making good to today’s seniors who are counting on the federal government to fulfill its obligations. We are committed to a new era in Congress where bipartisan solutions are the norm.  We are dedicated to working with leadership to help bring these solutions to reality.  The common good of the country demands good faith negotiation, compromise, and immediate and significant action.