65.6 F
The Villages
Friday, March 29, 2024

We can’t leave mountain of debt to next generation

Congressman Daniel Webster
Congressman Daniel Webster

For years, Republicans have campaigned on the promise to balance our nation’s budget. Last week, the House took its first step toward funding the government for FY 2018 with the passage of four spending bills that are focused on national security. Unfortunately, there are eight other spending bills that Congress has yet to consider and the House of Representatives has adjourned for its August Recess. I am hopeful that the remaining eight spending bills are promptly brought up for a vote in September, as the fiscal year deadline is Sept. 30. It is our responsibility to ensure that the next generation is not left with a mountain of debt. Our current spending trajectory shows growing deficits over the next 10 years, pushing our unsustainable national debt even higher. Beginning with last week’s spending bill package, we have an opportunity to conduct a true appropriations process, meaning taking a close look at every dollar being spent in Washington. With Republican majorities in the House, Senate and the White House, we are fully equipped to show the American people that we are serious about getting control of Washington’s spending addiction.

______________________________

Wednesday, I met with the Farm Credit of Central Florida to discuss the passage of a strong farm bill that continues to meet the needs of agriculture producers. The agriculture sector is vital to our district’s economy and its future growth requires Washington to get the 2018 Farm Bill right. I have been working with my colleagues who sit on the Agriculture Committee to ensure that Florida’s agriculture needs are met as they begin to assemble this legislation.

______________________________

Tuesday, I voted for increased sanctions against Iran, Russia and North Korea. These sanctions achieve three objectives that are vital for our national security, the ongoing fight against terror and those who fund it. The sanctions also protect our nation and its interests at home and abroad. By crippling Iranian influence in the Middle East, punishing Russia for its acts of aggression and corruption, and curbing North Korea’s nuclear weapons program and constant violations of international codes of human rights, the United States reasserts a position of leadership desperately needed in an unstable world.

______________________________

Last week, the House focused on the importance of providing our military with deserved benefits as thanks for serving our country. I was pleased to support two key bills that address the needs of our veterans:
• The Department of Veterans Affairs Bonus Transparency Act (S. 114) authorizes and appropriates $2 billion for the Veterans Choice Fund. VA Secretary Shulkin has indicated that the program’s funds will be completely depleted by the end of August. This bill is a stop-gap measure to ensure that veterans who don’t live near a veterans hospital or face long delays at a VA facility have access to the medical care they need.
• The Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2017 amends the post-9/11 GI bill and eliminates the fifteen-year limit on educational benefits new recruits receive, making it the largest expansion of education for veterans in over a decade.

_____________________________

Congressman Daniel Webster represents The Villages in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Karen’s explanation raises more questions

A reader from Summerfield has a followup to Karen Hoerauf’s latest explanation about her intent with her original letter about flags.

The world knew we had a strong leader in Trump

A Village of Fernandina resident looks back on the record of former President Trump. Read his Letter to the Editor.

Neglect of golf course maintenance now costing us millions of dollars

In a Letter to the Editor, a Village of St. Charles resident argues that neglect of golf course maintenance is now costing residents millions of dollars.

Karen says her intent has been misinterpreted

A Village of Belle Aire resident who stirred quite a discussion with a previous Letter to the Editor, follows up to say that her intent was misinterpreted.

Our amenities are being used by families with kids

In a Letter to the Editor, a Village of Citrus Grove resident says she is not happy about families with kids using amenities paid for by residents.