Forget ‘baloney’ budget claims — I’m voting to break feds’ debt addiction

Why can’t the federal government live within its means, like New York’s families, seniors and small businesses must do?

It’s a question I ask myself every time a handful of special-interest groups blow a gasket over the mere discussion of reducing federal spending or reining in our debt. 

The “sky is falling” scare campaign that alleges any responsible reduction to federal spending will somehow have catastrophic consequences is baloney. 

Make no mistake: The defenders of the status quo want the gravy train to continue for their benefit.

I want it to come to an end — for your benefit. 

Here are the facts: Our nation faces a daunting fiscal crisis; the national debt exceeds $36 trillion and is projected to reach $59 trillion by 2035.

The reckless addiction to overspending and decades-old reliance on debt in Washington has real-life consequences for local families — in the form of ever-increasing taxes, record inflation and a constantly rising cost of living.

Failure to act now will result in long-term economic consequences that threaten the prosperity of future generations.

At the same time, we must ensure that the most vulnerable in our society can rely on a social safety net that allows them to live with dignity.

Preserving and strengthening essential programs such as Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, SNAP and veterans’ benefits is both a matter of sound policy and a fundamental moral responsibility.

The budget resolution I helped pass in the House last week has sparked considerable debate — but some critics’ claims are pure misinformation.

For example, it’s categorically false that the budget resolution we voted on includes callous cuts to Social Security, Medicaid or Medicare.

But that hasn’t stopped House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries from spouting misinformation, or prevented Gov. Kathy Hochul from using sick children as props to score political points.

That’s wrong.

And it’s exactly the kind of political fear-mongering that distracts from the real challenge: Restoring fiscal discipline while maintaining the integrity of programs that tens of millions of Americans rely on.

But at the same time we have to stop those who scam the system at taxpayer expense. 

Does anyone really think Medicaid should pay for a 27-year-old, able-bodied single man to stay home and play video games all day?

Or that we should provide free food, housing, health care and more to those who entered our country illegally?

Of course not — yet abuses like these are adding untold billions to our bloated federal budget.

That’s the kind of improper spending we rightfully should be cutting.

As far back as 2005, The New York Times reported that New York’s Medicaid fraud may reach into the billions — yet nothing has been done to put a stop to it. We have to take that seriously and clean it up.

Equally pressing is the impending expiration of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which provided critical relief to American families and small businesses.

If allowed to lapse, the child tax credit that law established will be slashed for 40 million families.

The standard deduction will take a significant hit — affecting 91% of taxpayers — and the Alternative Minimum Tax will return, increasing the tax burden on many folks in the Hudson Valley and throughout the state.

Preserving these tax cuts for every American and lifting the cap on SALT (the state and local tax deduction) is essential to growing financial stability for families nationwide.

As I said when I first ran for Congress, lifting the cap on SALT is my top priority in Washington.

Advancing this budget resolution was a critical step toward that goal: Now we can begin the process of negotiating a reconciliation bill.

That bill will secure our border, strengthen our military, increase domestic production of energy, reduce the size and scope of the federal government, and provide real tax relief for hard-working middle-class families.

As we negotiate the final bill, I believe we can achieve fiscal responsibility and economic prosperity — and still take care of Americans who are down on their luck and need a hand. 

I’ll be working with common-sense lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to do what’s right.

Republican Mike Lawler represents New York’s 17th Congressional District.