Xavier Becerra: a voice on the right side on the deficit committee.

[JDPriestly]

Here is what Rep. Becerra, a committee member, said in introductory remarks in one public session of the committee:

In January 2001 CBO's assessment in its yearly budget and economic outlook report was this: 'the outlook for the federal budget over the next decade continues to be bright. Assuming that current tax and spending policies are maintained, the CBO projects that the mounting revenues will continue to produce growing budget surpluses for the next ten years.' But as we all know, current tax and spending policies were not maintained.

Dr. Elmendorf, it is exactly these policies that induce the federal deficit which I want to explore in my questioning with you today. Decisions were made to extinguish a $5.6 trillion surplus.

The individuals and groups who received the most benefits should be willing and ready to ante up to meet their patriotic duty, to contribute revenue and necessary spending decisions to heal this country's long-term fiscal situation.

http://becerra.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=796:becerra-opening-statement-at-joint-select-committee-on-deficit-reduction-hearing-on-qthe-history-and-drivers-of-our-nations-debt-and-its-threatsq&catid=3:press-releases