Lafayette Reporter

Senator John Kennedy (R-La.) delivered a speech on the Senate floor, emphasizing the necessity for Congress to prioritize spending cuts in the coming months. He highlighted the importance of extending the 2017 tax cuts, addressing inflation, and growing the economy to manage the national debt while also enhancing national defense.

Kennedy stated, "If we don’t extend those tax cuts, it is going to drive our GDP and our economy on a journey to the center of the Earth. Even my Democratic friends know those tax cuts have to be extended." He added that deficit spending is excessive and remarked, "I don’t want to blame it all on President Biden, but, if the shoe fits, wear it, Cinderella."

The senator pointed out that the national debt has reached $36 trillion, surpassing 100% of GDP. He stressed the need for renewed tax cuts and stopping deficit spending. Additionally, he argued for increased defense spending due to global threats from leaders like President Xi Jinping of China and President Vladimir Putin of Russia. "Weakness invites the wolves," Kennedy warned.

Kennedy acknowledged that balancing these priorities could be seen as "competing interests" but insisted that reducing spending is essential. He noted a significant budget increase since 2019 despite only a 2% population growth.

He mentioned an Office of Management and Budget memorandum as a step towards reducing spending to pre-pandemic levels. Kennedy urged people to maintain perspective on these issues: "So, I hope all the folks today will go home and take off their Batman t-shirts... put this all in perspective."

In conclusion, Kennedy asserted, "If you don't believe we're going to have to cut spending substantially in order to get out of this mess that has been created, then you shouldn't be driving."