Michele Bachmann on Deficits and Debt

Summary

Congresswoman Bachmann is a vocal and ardent supporter of balanced budgets and reduced government spending, and a strong opponent of raising the debt ceiling. She has cited the debt as one of the greatest threats to the continued economic health of the US. She views the deficit as a result of too much government spending and not the result of failing to take enough enough taxes. She has asserted that Washington doesn't have a revenue problem, it has a spending problem.

Congresswoman Bachmann believes that the cause of this overspending is the growth of federal government in size and scope, the improper management of fiscal responsibility by representative in Congress and the President, and the unchecked growth of entitlement programs. To address the spending issue, Congresswoman Bachmann believes that the US must take proactive measures to properly determine the committments made through entitlement programs, return a number of responsibilities to the states to prevent the growth and spread of programs at a national level, to reduce the size of agencies that remain, and place restrictions on the spending abilities of Congress and the President. 

Congruent with her statements, Congresswoman Bachmann has consistently voted against raising the debt ceiling, and has sponsored or co-sponsored numerous items. These items include a balanced budgement amendment to force Congress to spend no more than it takes in, legislation to make it more difficult to raise the debt ceiling, and legislation to return usused portions of programs such as TARP and the Stimulus to pay down the debt. Another item proposed by Congresswoman Bachmann is the Truth in Accounting Act, which would force the government to fully disclose financial obligations relating to Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security. She has also pledged to reduce the amount of needless pork spending.

While in Congress, Congresswoman Bachmann has mocked the PAYGO rules put in place by the Democrats that allowed Congress to accumulate record deficits while under PAYGO rules. She noted that spending levels throughout the government increased while the government had enacted a spending freeze. In 2010, Congresswoman Bachmann supported returning the federal government to 2008 spending levels.

Taxes and the Deficit

In July of 2007, Congresswoman Bachmann released a statement noting her belief that tax reform would lead to deficit reduction.

Truth in Accounting Act

In October of 2007, Congresswoman Bachmann released a statement noting her support for legislation to provide greater fiscal transparency.

Pledge Against Pork

In March of 2008, Congresswoman Bachmann released a statement noting a pledge that she took not to use the earmark process.

Fox Business Appearance

In March of 2009, Congresswoman Bachmann appeared on Fox Business and spoke about the amount of debt that will be accrued under President Obama. She agrees that the Republicans spent too much when they were in charge (before her election), but asserts that the level of debt to be accumulated under President Obama is far more than any previous President.

The Real Meaning of PAYGO

In June of 2009, Congresswoman Bachmann wrote an op-ed discussing the PAYGO rules implemented by the Democratic majority and what PAYGO actually means.

Opposition to FY2010 Spending

In February of 2010, Congresswoman Bachmann released a statement noting her opposition to FY2010 spending levels.

Debt is a Crushing Blow

In April of 2009, Congresswoman Bachmann released a statement noting her opposition to the Democratic budget and her view that the debt it creates will be a crushing blow for the next generation.

Support for Spending Limits

In July of 2009, Congresswoman Bachmann released a statement noting the need for spending limits and not gimmicks. 

Opposition to FY 2011 Budget

In February of 2010, Congresswoman Bachmann released a press statement noting her opposition to President Obama's proposed budget.

Reaction to Raising the Debt Level

In February of 2010, Congresswoman Bachmann wrote an op-ed discussing a recent vote to raise the debt ceiling. She referred to the decision as a "no-brainer" that should have been rejected.

So Much for Fiscal Responsibility
2/4/2010 | Email Michele Bachmann | All Posts By Blogger

Members of the House of Representatives had a no-brainer in front of them today - they should have voted “NO” to raise our debt limit as a nation by $1.9 trillion to a whopping $14 trillion. Instead of looking at ways to restrain their spending - like most Americans are doing right now - Congress has decided to saddle more federal debt to the backs of American workers. My constituents are strapped enough as it is and that's why I voted no on this irresponsible measure. A vote to raise the national debt limit without significantly reigning in spending is Washington at its worst.

The Spending Freeze that Isn't

In February of 2010, Congresswoman Bachmann wrote an op-ed discussing the spending freeze that put in place by the Obama administration and the continued spending after that freeze.

YouCut

In May of 2010, Congresswoman Bachmann released a press statement noting her support for the YouCut proposal.

Need to Control Spending

In August of 2010, Congresswoman Bachmann released a press statement claiming that the Democrats needed to get spending under control.

Reducing the National Debt

In October of 2010, Congresswoman Bachmann wrote an article discussing methods to reduce the national debt. She advocates for returning to 2008 spending levels, a balanced budget, canceling the stimulus, returning TARP funds, and repealing Obamacare.

Avoid Raising the Debt Ceiling

In November of 2010, Congresswoman Bachmann wrote an op-ed discussing the need for Congress to resist raising the debt ceiling.

Returning to 2008 Spending Levels

On November 22, 2010 Congresswoman Bachmann appeared on "The Situation Room" with Wolf Blitzer. When asked about the specifics of what she would cut to lessen spending, Congresswoman Bachmann stated that she would support a return to 2008 spending levels.

Need to Get a Grip on Debt

In January of 2011, Congresswoman Bachmann appeared on local television and spoke about the need to reduce the debt lower spending. She advocates for cutting the budget as the primary method of reducing the debt, for cancelling the remaining TARP and Stimulus, and for reducing the recent increase in federal employees. She also states that she opposes an across the board spending cut as some budgets may need to increase.

Reaction to Deficit

In February of 2011, Congresswoman Bachmann released a press statement noting her reaction to the yearly deficit of $1.65 trillion.

Opposition to Continuing Resolution

In March of 2011, Congresswoman Bachmann released a press statement noting her intention to vote against the continuing resolution to fund the government.

Reaction to Ryan Budget

In April of 2011, Congresswoman Bachmann released a press statement noting her support for the Ryan proposal.

New Hampshire Debate

In June of 2011, Congresswoman Bachmann participated in the Presidential debate in New Hampshire. She spoke about opposing the debt ceiling increase and cited President Obama's statements as a Senator that raising the debt ceiling was a sign of failure in leadership.

Obama Using Scare Tactics

On June 28, 2011 Congresswoman Bachmann appeared on CBS's "The Early Show" and spoke about the debate on raising the debt ceiling. She stated that President Obama's warnings of dire problems if the debt ceiling is not raised, were scare tactics.

I think these are scare tactics by the Obama administration. ... Until I see a legitimate, serious reduction in spending, I can't give my vote (to raise the debt ceiling). We will be right back at it again a year and a half from now in a worse position than we are today. ... The interest on the debt can easily be paid for and that would mean that we wouldn't default.

Iowa Debate

In August of 2011, Congresswoman Bachmann participated in the Republican Presidential debate in Ames, Iowa. She stated that she did not support the cut, cap, and balance plan and that the debt ceiling should not have been raised.

TEA Party Debate

In September of 2011, Congresswoman Bachmann participated in the TEA party debate. She spoke about her opposition to raising the debt ceiling and her desire to see repatriation at 0%.

Western Debate

In October of 2011, Congresswoman Bachmann participated in the Western Debate in Las Vegas. She was asked if defense spending should be on the table for spending cuts and states that the US should not ignore Iran. When pressured, she states that defense spending is indeed on the table, but $500 billion is not reasonable.

Dartmouth Debate

On October 11, 2011 Congresswoman Bachmann participated in the Dartmouth debate. She is asked about the debt ceiling and discusses the need to cut spending.

CBS Foreign Policy Debate

On November 11, 2011 Congresswoman Bachmann participated in the CBS foreign policy debate. She was asked there about defense spending in relation to overall spending and the need to reduce the debt. In a later question, she was asked about where she would make cuts.

2012 Presidential Campaign Website Statements

Voting Record

Braun Amendment to Cut Spending

In June of 2012, the House voted on an amendment put forth by Congressman Braun of Georgia. The measure would have cut spending for the Congressional Research Service by $878,000 in the Legislative Branch appropriations bill. The amendment passed 214-189. Michele Bachmann voted in favor of the spending cut.

Gosar Amendment to Cut Spending

In June of 2012, the House voted on an amendment put forth by Congressman Gosar of Arizona. The measure would have cut spending for the Botanic Garden by $1.2 million in the Legislative Branch approprations bill. The amendment passed 213-193. Michele Bachmann voted in favor of the spending cut.

Polis Amendment to Cut Spending

In June of 2012, the House voted on an amendment put forth by Congressman Polis of Colorado. The measure would have made an across-the-board reduction of 2 percent in the DHS approps bill's discretionary spending, with some exceptions.The amendment failed 99-316. Michele Bachmann voted against the spending cut.

Broun Amendment to Cut Spending

In June of 2012, the House voted on an amendment put forth by Congressman Broun of Georgia. The measure would have cut spending for all of the administrative expense accounts in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) appropriations bill by 3 percent, with some exceptions.The amendment failed 140-273. Michele Bachmann voted in favor of the spending cut.

Flake Amendment to Cut Spending

In June of 2012, the House voted on an amendment put forth by Congressman Flake of Arizona. The measure would have made an across-the-board reduction of 0.27 percent in the E&W approps bill's discretionary spending. The amendment failed 144-274. Michele Bachmann voted in favor of the spending cut.

Mulvaney Amendment to Cut Spending

In June of 2012, the House voted on an amendment put forth by Congressman Mulvaney of South Carolina. The measure would have cut spending in the E&W approps bill by 24 percent, with some exceptions.The amendment failed 125-293. Michele Bachmann voted in favor of the spending cut.

Blackburn Amendment to Cut Spending

In June of 2012, the House voted on an amendment put forth by Congressman Blackburn of Tennessee. The measure would have made an across-the-board cut of 1 percent in the E&W approps bill's discretionary spending. The amendment failed 157-261. Michele Bachmann voted in favor of the spending cut.

Chabot Amendment to Cut Spending

In June of 2012, the House voted on an amendment put forth by Congressman Chabot of Ohio. The measure would have eliminated all funding in the E&W approps bill for the Appalachian Regional Commission, Delta Regional Authority, Denali Commission, Northern Border Regional Commission and Southeast Crescent Regional Commission. The amendment failed 141-276. Michele Bachmann voted in favor of the spending cut.

Burgess Amendment to Cut Spending

In May of 2012, the House voted on an amendment put forth by Congressman Burgess of Texas. The measure would have cut spending for defense nuclear nonproliferation activities by $100 million in the E&W approps bill. The amendment failed 168-249. Michele Bachmann voted against the spending cut.

McClintock Amendment to Cut Spending

In May of 2012, the House voted on an amendment put forth by Congressman McClintock of California. The measure would have eliminated all funding in the E&W approps bill for fossil fuel programs. The amendment failed 138-249. Michele Bachmann voted in favor of the spending cut.

McClintock Amendment to Cut Spending

In May of 2012, the House voted on an amendment put forth by Congressman McClintock of California. The measure would have cut spending for nuclear energy activities by $514 million in the E&W approps bill. The amendment failed 106-281. Michele Bachmann voted in favor of the spending cut.

McClintock Amendment to Cut Spending

In May of 2012, the House voted on an amendment put forth by Congressman McClintock of California. The measure would have eliminated all funding provided in the E&W approps bill for renewable energy programs. The amendment failed 113-275. Michele Bachmann voted in favor of the spending cut.

Chaffetz Amendment to Cut Spending

In May of 2012, the House voted on an amendment put forth by Congressman Chaffetz of Utah. The measure would have cut spending for energy efficiency and renewable energy activities by $74 million in the Energy & Water (E&W) appropriations bill. The amendment failed 140-245. Michele Bachmann voted in favor of the spending cut.

Broun Amendment to Cut Spending

In May of 2012, the House voted on an amendment put forth by Congressman Broun of Georgia. The measure would have cut spending in the CJS approps bill by 12.2 percent. The amendment failed 105-307. Michele Bachmann cast a "No Vote"

Blackburn Amendment to Cut Spending

In May of 2012, the House voted on an amendment put forth by Congressman Blackburn of Tennessee. The measure would have cut spending in the CJS approps bill by 1 percent. The amendment failed 160-251. Michele Bachmann cast a "No Vote"

Scott Amendment to Cut Spending

In May of 2012, the House voted on an amendment put forth by Congressman Scott of Georgia. The measure would have eliminated all funding provided in the CJS approps bill for the Legal Services Corporation. The amendment failed 122-289. Michele Bachmann cast a "No Vote"

Westmoreland Amendment to Cut Spending

In May of 2012, the House voted on an amendment put forth by Congressman Westmoreland of Georgia. The measure would have cut spending for the Legal Services Corporation by $128 million in the CJS approps bill.The amendment failed 165-246. Michele Bachmann cast a "No Vote"

Flake Amendment to Cut Spending

In May of 2012, the House voted on an amendment put forth by Congressman Flake of Arizona. The measure would have cut spending for the National Science Foundation by $1.2 billion in the CJS approps bill. The amendment failed 121-291. Michele Bachmann cast a "No Vote"

Broun Amendment to Cut Spending

In May of 2012, the House voted on an amendment put forth by Congressman Broun of Georgia. The measure would have cut spending for expenses associated with the restoration of Pacific salmon populations by $15 million. The amendment failed 168-239. Michele Bachmann voted in favor of the spending cut.

Harris Amendment to Cut Spending

In May of 2012, the House voted on an amendment put forth by Congressman Harris of Maryland. The measure would have cut spending for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) by $542,000. The amendment passed 219-189. Michele Bachmann voted in favor of the spending cut.

Quayle Amendment to Cut Spending

In May of 2012, the House voted on an amendment put forth by Congressman Quayle of Arizona. The measure would have cut spending for the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) by $21 million. The amendment failed 147-259. Michele Bachmann voted in favor of the spending cut.

Pompeo Amendment to Cut Spending

In May of 2012, the House voted on an amendment put forth by Congressman Pompeo of Kansas. The measure would have cut spending for the Economic Development Administration (EDA) by $219.5 million. The amendment failed 129-279. Michele Bachmann voted in favor of the spending cut.

Scalise Amendment to Cut Spending

In May of 2012, the House voted on an amendment put forth by Congressman Scalise of Louisiana. The measure would have cut spending for the Economic Development Administration by $7.5 million and reduce funding for the Commerce Department by $10.7 million in the CJS appropriations bill. The amendment failed 174-233. Michele Bachmann voted in favor of the spending cut.

McClintock Amendment to Cut Spending

In May of 2012, the House voted on an amendment put forth by Congressman McClintock of California. The measure would have cut spending for the International Trade Administration by $277.8 million in the CJS approps bill.The amendment failed, 121-287. Michele Bachmann voted against the spending cut.

Broun Amendment to Cut Spending

In May of 2012, the House voted on an amendment put forth by Congressman Broun of Georgia. The measure would have cut spending in the Commerce-Justice-Science (CJS) appropriations bill by about 3 percent.The amendment failed, 137-270. Michele Bachmann voted in favor of the spending cut.

Balanced Budget Amendment

In November of 2011, the House voted on a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution. This particular amendment would have required a three-fifths rollcall vote of each chamber for the congress to spend more than it took in and to increase the public debt limit. It also authorized waivers when a declaration of war is in effect or under other specified circumstances involving military conflict. The measure did not achieve the 3/5 needed to pass in a 261-165 vote. Michele Bachmann voted in favor of the balanced budget amendment.

Budget Control Act of 2011

In August of 2011, the House voted on the Budget Control Act of 2011. The legislation raised the debt ceiling in increments and created a committee to find cuts in the budget or other methods to lower the deficit. The measure passed 269-161. Michele Bachmann voted against the Budget Control Act of 2011.

Cut, Cap, and Balance Act of 2011

In July of 2011, the House voted on legislation to cut spending on discretionary and other items, cap the amount the federal government can spend as a function of GDP, and require a balanced budget. The legisaltion also provided for an increase in the debt limit. The measure passed the House in a 234-190 vote. Michele Bachmann voted against the cut, cap, and balance plan.

Increasing the statutory debt limit

In May of 2011, the House voted on an increase in the statutory debt limit from $14.294 trillion to $16.7 trillion. The increase failed to pass by a vote of 97-318. It was never voted on in the Senate. Michele Bachmann voted against the debt ceiling increase.

Return to 2008 Spending Levels

In January of 2011, the House voted on a bill to reduce spending on non-security items to fiscal year 2008 levels. The measure passed 254-165. Michele Bachmann voted in favor of reducing spending to 2008 levels.

Debt Ceiling Increase to $14.294 Trillion

In February of 2010, the House voted to pass legislation that dealt with PAYGO rules and increased the debt ceiling to $14.294 trillion. The vote passed 233-187. Michele Bachmann voted against the debt increase.

Increasing the Debt Ceiling to $12.394 trillion

In December of 2009, the House voted to increase the debt ceiling to $12.394 trillion. The measure passed 218-214. Michele Bachmann voted against increasing the debt limit.

Stimulus - Debt Ceiling Increase to $12.104 trillion

In January of 2009, the House voted to pass the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act - otherwise known as the stimulus. The act passed 244-188 and contained language to increase the debt ceiling to $12.104 trillion. Michele Bachmann voted against passing the legislation that contained a debt ceiling increase.

TARP - Debt Ceiling Increase to $11.315 trillion

In October of 2008, the House voted to pass the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act - TARP. Within the act, the debt limit was increased to $11.315 trillion. The legislation passed the House 263-171. Michele Bachmann voted against increasing the debt limit to $11.315 trillion.

Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 - Debt Ceiling Increase to $10.615 trillion

In August of 2007, the House passed the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008. Included in that legislation was an increase to the debt ceiling to $10.615 trillion. The legislation passed the House 241-172. Michele Bachmann voted against the legislation to increase the debt ceiling.

Congressional Budget - Raising the Debt Ceiling to $9.815 trillion

In May of 2007, the House voted to pass the budget for that year. Within the budget was a measure that increased the debt ceiling to $9.815 trillion. The budget passed 214-209. Michele Bachmann voted against the budget which contained a debt ceiling increase to $9.815 trillion.

Sponsored and Cosponsored Legislation

Session-111; Bill Number-H J Res 1; Constitutional Amendment - Balanced Budget - Cosponsor

Prohibits outlays for a fiscal year from exceeding total receipts for that fiscal year unless Congress, by a three-fifths roll call vote of each chamber, authorizes a specific excess of outlays over receipts. Requires a three-fifths roll call vote of each chamber to increase the public debt limit. Directs the President to submit a balanced budget to Congress annually. Prohibits any bill to increase revenue from becoming law unless approved by a majority of each chamber by roll call vote. Authorizes waivers of these provisions when a declaration of war is in effect or under other specified circumstances involving military conflict.

Session-112; Bill Number-H J Res 1; Proposing a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution of the United States - Cosponsor

Prohibits outlays for a fiscal year (except those for repayment of debt principal) from exceeding total receipts for that fiscal year (except those derived from borrowing) unless Congress, by a three-fifths rollcall vote of each chamber, authorizes a specific excess of outlays over receipts. Limits total outlays for any fiscal year to one-fifth of the U.S. economic output, unless two-thirds of each House of Congress provides for a specific increase above this amount. Requires a three-fifths rollcall vote of each chamber to increase the public debt limit. Directs the President to submit a balanced budget to Congress annually. Prohibits any bill to increase revenue from becoming law unless approved by three-fifths of each chamber by rollcall vote. Authorizes waivers of these provisions when a declaration of war is in effect or under other specified circumstances involving military conflict.

Session-112; Bill Number-H J Res 2; Proposing a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution of the United States - Cosponsor

Constitutional Amendment - Prohibits outlays for a fiscal year (except those for repayment of debt principal) from exceeding total receipts for that fiscal year (except those derived from borrowing) unless Congress, by a three-fifths roll call vote of each chamber, authorizes a specific excess of outlays over receipts. Requires a three-fifths rollcall vote of each chamber to increase the public debt limit. Directs the President to submit a balanced budget to Congress annually. Prohibits any bill to increase revenue from becoming law unless approved by a majority of each chamber by rollcall vote. Authorizes waivers of these provisions when a declaration of war is in effect or under other specified circumstances involving military conflict.

Session-111; Bill Number-H J Res 1; Constitutional Amendment - Balanced Budget - Cosponsor

Prohibits outlays for a fiscal year (except those for repayment of debt principal) from exceeding total receipts for that fiscal year (except those derived from borrowing) unless Congress, by a three-fifths rollcall vote of each chamber, authorizes a specific excess of outlays over receipts. Requires a three-fifths rollcall vote of each chamber to increase the public debt limit. Directs the President to submit a balanced budget to Congress annually. Prohibits any bill to increase revenue from becoming law unless approved by a majority of each chamber by rollcall vote. Authorizes waivers of these provisions when a declaration of war is in effect or under other specified circumstances involving military conflict.

Session-111; Bill Number-H R 4262; CAP the DEBT Act - Cosponsor

Control America's Purse-strings to Deliver a Better Tomorrow Act or the CAP the DEBT Act - Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to make it out of order in the House of Representatives and in the Senate to consider any bill, joint resolution, amendment, or conference report increasing the statutory limit on the public debt if there is any other matter in such measure. Requires a two-thirds recorded vote of Members in the House and a roll call vote of at least two-thirds of the Members of the Senate before legislation increasing the statutory limit on the public debt may be considered as passed or agreed to in either chamber. Permits a successful appeal from the ruling of the Chair in the Senate on such prohibition, but only by an affirmative roll call vote of two-thirds of its Members. Repeals Rule XXVIII (Statutory Limit on Public Debt) of the Rules of the House, and known as the "Gephardt Rule," providing for mandatory adjustment of the statutory limit on the public debt to conform to a budget resolution.

Session-111; Bill Number-H Res 949; Statutory Limit on Public Debt - Cosponsor

Amending the Rules of the House of Representatives to require a two-thirds vote on a stand-alone bill to increase the statutory limit on the public debt.

Session-111; Bill Number-H J Res 79; Constitutional Amendment - Balanced Budget - Cosponsor

Prohibits annual federal outlays for a fiscal year (except those for repayment of debt principal) from exceeding one-fifth of economic output of the United States of America, unless two-thirds of each chamber provides for a specific increase of outlays above this amount. Authorizes waiver of this article when a declaration of war is in effect.

Session-111; Bill Number-H R 3140; Reducing Barack Obama's Unsustainable Deficit Act - Cosponsor

Rescinds all unobligated balances of the discretionary appropriations made available in division A of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). Repeals subtitles B (Assistance for Vulnerable Individuals) and C (Economic Recovery Payments to Certain Individuals) of title II (the Assistance for Unemployed Workers and Struggling Families Act) and titles III (Premium Assistance for COBRA Benefits), IV (Medicare and Medicaid Health Information Technology; Miscellaneous Medicare Provisions), V (State Fiscal Relief), VI (Broadband Communications), and VII (Limits on Executive Compensation) of division B of ARRA. Amends the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (EESA) to terminate upon enactment of this Act (currently, December 31, 2009) the Secretary of the Treasury's authority to establish the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) and the program to guarantee troubled assets originated or issued before March 14, 2008, including mortgage-backed securities. Repeals the authorization for a two-year extension of such authority if the Secretary submits a specified certification to Congress. Requires the Secretary, each time a financial institution makes a TARP repayment, to transfer such repayments to the special account established in the Treasury for reducing public debt.

Session-110; Bill Number-H J Res 1; Constitutional Amendment - Balanced Budget - Cosponsor

Proposing a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution of the United States.

References

[1] Website: CBS News Article: Michele Bachmann says Obama using "scare tactics" on debt ceiling Author: Corbett B. Daly Accessed on: 07/04/2011

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