Conrad Burns on Budget & EconomyFormer Republican Senator (MT, 1989-2007) |
JONES: Thats easy for me. Eliminate unconstitutional departments and agencies.
BURNS: Theres only one way to control the deficit--grow the economy and control spending. We have brought down spending on the discretionary spending - the part we have some control over. The non-discretionary part is troubling. Were continuing with the tax cuts which have energized the economy--thats the way you take care of the deficit. We didnt ask for 9/11, or Katrina, or the war on terror. We always grew through it. You grow the economy and control spending and thats the way you take care of the deficit.
TESTER: When it comes to funding for Montana, we took the third biggest cut in FY05, in that discretionary funding. Out of 13 subcommittee chairs, Sen. Burns is ranked 10th in getting dollars to this state for critical projects. Its time that we spend the money wiser, that we prioritize better, and start looking out for middle class folks.
BURNS: His record is very clear on that, and my record is very clear also. I dont vote for tax increases.
TESTER: Sen. Burns talks about how he doesnt raise taxes. Hes spending more money than the economy is growing--thats putting a tax burden on our children. If you think thats a way to do business, it certainly wouldnt have worked on our farm. You are a borrow-and-spender, thats unequivocal.
BURNS: You said to some students, I want to lower your tuition. Since youve been in the senate, tuition has gone of 48%. I have no control over that--you do, with the board of regents. Youve got your hand on the throttle.
TESTER: You want to talk about a throttle--your hand on the throttle has doubled the national debt in 5 years. On our kids! If my folks had done that on our farm, theyd have lost the farm. Youre running this country into bankruptcy. Chinas buying our debt, because he cant balance our checkbook.