U.S. Rep. Kristi Noem, R-S.D., defended the deficit-reducing plan passed by the U.S. House this week known as Cut, Cap and Balance.
Some have criticized the plan, and it is not expected to pass the U.S. Senate. But Noem said it is the only plan that has been spelled out in legislation. That means it can be scored by the Congressional Budget Office, allowing for its effects to be analyzed.
“This is the only plan that is out there. The Senate hasn’t given us anything,” Noem said Thursday on a call with reporters. “The truly unfortunate thing is the president hasn’t given us anything. He talks a lot, but he hasn’t given us a bill we can score.”
Noem said she voted for the plan because it is “a comprehensive fix to Washington’s spending addiction.”
“This truly changes the trajectory we are on. It’s a good solution. Everyone back home can understand the need to balance your budget,” she said. “This cuts spending, makes sure future spending is capped and puts the country on a path of fiscal stability.”
Noem said the debt ceiling needs to be raised to avoid economic calamity.
“If we don’t raise the debt ceiling, it will be very detrimental to our country. That doesn’t mean we have to endorse the status quo,” she said. “We are headed for an historic financial crisis if we don’t reduce spending.”