Congressman Dennis Cardoza
18th Congressional District of California

WASHINGTON – Rep. Dennis Cardoza (D-Merced) delivered the following statement today in favor of reinstating fiscally responsible "Pay-As-You-Go" budget rules.

“Mr. Speaker, as a fiscally conservative Blue Dog Democrat, I rise in strong support of reinstating Pay-As-You Go Rules.

“As Blue Dogs, we believe, as do the American people, that restoring fiscal responsibility in Washington is an urgent national priority.

“For too long, under the previous leadership of Congress and the current White House, we have seen reckless fiscal policies that have undermined the future of America’s economy.

“Now, the time has come to take our country in a new, responsible direction.

“PayGo Rules are the center piece of the Blue Dog 12 Point Reform Plan for putting an end to deficit spending. We know Paygo Rules work, because they have in the past. During the 1990’s, with Paygo in place, massive deficits were converted into record surpluses. We saw the greatest period of economic growth and prosperity in American history.

“The Blue Dogs look forward to working with members of both parties in the effort to bring fiscal responsibility back to Washington. 

“It won’t be easy, and won’t happen overnight, but beginning today, we can turn the tide and do right by future generations of Americans.”