Washington, D.C. - Senator Ron Johnson (WI) released a letter sent to the President by Senate Republican Freshmen.

The letter states:

“On Tuesday, we were disappointed to hear you say that you could not guarantee payment of Social Security benefits to the elderly.  You similarly used frightening comments towards past and present members of the military and their families.  This is an unfortunate political tactic.  In fact, your late entry into negotiations regarding the debt ceiling and the financial future of our nation reveals your lack of serious attention to this issue.

“A responsible leader would have been fully engaged and negotiating in good faith months ago.  A responsible leader would have developed a serious budget proposal, not one that lost by a vote of 0-97 in the United States Senate which is controlled by members of your own party.  A responsible leader would have insisted that the Senate comply with the law and pass a budget on time…

“It’s time to tell the American people the truth.  It’s time to seriously address the financial future of America.  It’s time to stop scaring seniors and the American people.  It’s time to pass a Constitutional Amendment that will limit the size of government and balance America’s budget.  

“Hopefully within a few days, the House will pass the Cut, Cap, and Balance Act and send it to the Senate. It will give you the increase in the debt ceiling that you are requesting, contingent upon us actually fixing the problem.  It will cut spending next year, cap spending over the next ten years, and increase the debt ceiling once a Constitutional Amendment had been passed and sent to the States for ratification.”

Note: In addition to Johnson, the signers of the letter are Kelly Ayotte (NH), Roy Blunt (MO), John Boozman (AR), Dan Coats (IN), John Hoeven (ND), Mark Kirk (IL), Mike Lee (UT), Jerry Moran (KS), Rand Paul (KY), Rob Portman (OH), Marco Rubio (FL), and Pat Toomey (PA).

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