Michele Bachmann - Debt, Deficit, Spending, and the Size of Government

Last Updated: Dec 13, 2011

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.

Bachmann: Tax Relief Leads to Deficit Reduction
Report Shows Increased Revenues without Raising Taxes
Bachmann at the American Taxpayer Bill or Rights Rally
Washington, Jul 11, 2007 - Congresswoman Michele Bachmann (MN-06) praised the government’s announcement today indicating the budget deficit would be cut in half from what it was only three years ago, falling to $205 billion by the end of September. This is nearly $40 billion lower than originally projected. A growing economy fueled by historic tax relief in 2001 and 2003 has contributed to record levels of revenue. Bachmann released the following statement:
“This reduction of the deficit exceeds expectations and further proves the importance of extending tax relief for families and small business owners. This relief has allowed taxpayers to keep more of their hard-earned money, spurring economic growth and increasing government revenues. Unfortunately, there are some in Washington who believe now is the right time to raise taxes, which would stifle the economic growth we’re seeing today.
“Washington doesn’t have a revenue problem, it has a spending problem. The Majority has already pushed to increase government spending by $23 billion this year, and has clearly shown its willingness to increase taxes on Americans to pay for it. I will continue to push for fiscal responsibility in Washington by rejecting attempts to raise taxes and reining in runaway government spending.”

Truth in Accounting Act

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

Bachmann Calls for Clear and Honest Budgeting
Authors Bipartisan Bill to Fully Disclose Government’s Fiscal Future
Bachmann introduced tax reform legislation with her colleagues
Washington, Oct 24, 2007 - Today, Reps. Michele Bachmann, Paul Ryan, Jim Cooper and Mark Kirk introduced bipartisan legislation that would provide the American people with an honest and accurate depiction of our nation's long-term fiscal imbalance. The Truth in Accounting Act would require the federal government to fully disclose its spending obligations – money Congress has already agreed to spend in future years – to achieve government transparency and accountability that does not exist today.
Since coming to Washington, Bachmann has focused on instilling more fiscal restraint in government spending. “The federal budget process gives Congress a free pass to increase spending, regardless of the consequences,” said Bachmann. “The American people deserve to know the truth about the real financial challenges our nation faces as the government heads down an unsustainable path of fiscal irresponsibility.”
Rep. Ryan stated, "I am pleased to be part of such a strong bipartisan coalition. I am hopeful that by highlighting the magnitude of our nation's long-term fiscal challenges, we will spur action in Congress to finally address out-of-control entitlement spending."
Rep. Cooper commented, “Congress will never address our long-term fiscal crisis until we’re forced to level with the American people. Using honest budget numbers instead of Enron-style accounting tricks would be a good start. Every year the Treasury Secretary signs his name to the true Financial Report of the United States; it’s time Congress paid attention.”
“The Truth in Accounting Act will help Congress make decisions based on the long-term implications of our financial commitments,” Rep. Kirk said. “It is a hollow promise when we pass legislation without understanding the future effects on our budget. It’s not enough to report on our spiraling deficits – taxpayers have the right to know how future generations will be burdened by decisions made today.”
According to the U.S. Government Accountability Office, the expansion of federal programs has put the government on an unsustainable fiscal track. Many Americans are concerned about the government's annual budget deficit and our overall national debt of more than $9 trillion – but those numbers are incomplete measurements of how much money our government owes over the long-term. In fact, they pale in comparison to the $46 trillion, or about $375,000 for every full-time worker, that the government has already accrued in financial commitments.
The Truth in Accounting Act would reveal to policymakers and the American people our true fiscal imbalance by requiring the government to clearly and fully account for these long-term fiscal exposures in its annual Financial Report.

Pledge Against Pork

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

Bachmann Takes Pledge Against Pork
Joins House Reformers in Fighting for Standards, Transparency
Washington, Mar 21, 2008 -
Congresswoman Michele Bachmann, one of about 2 dozen House Members who pledged not to participate in the broken earmark process released the following statement:
“Americans are tired of seeing Congress spend their hard-earned tax dollars as though it were monopoly money. And one of the most egregious areas of abuse is the practice of earmarking—better known to the American people as pork barrel spending. Simply put, the current earmark system is broken beyond repair.
“There are no standards, no transparency, no restraint. Earmarks are disbursed without regard to merit, based solely on partisanship and winks and nods. Instead of being a tool to fulfill the legitimate duties of government, earmarking has become another tool in Washington politics.
“The time is long overdue for change. But until Members of Congress draw a line in the sand business will continue as usual.
“That is why I have joined a bipartisan group of colleagues in pledging not to seek earmarks this year, while we fight to reform this dysfunctional system. Hopefully, our stand against the status quo will help motivate the Democrat leadership to start respecting the American taxpayer and deliver the change they have demanded.”

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.

What PAYGO Really Means
6/10/2009 | Email Michele Bachmann | All Posts By Blogger
On the surface, PAYGO (short for Pay As You Go) seems like it would be an effective policy to rein in government spending, but like so many things: the devil is in the details.
What the Administration would like for you to think is that by enacting this policy, Washington wouldn't be able to spend a dollar unless they save a dollar and the national debt would cease to swell as it has these past several months.
However, this is really a charade – and the details tell the story. First of all, this PAYGO has no impact whatsoever on entitlement spending -- Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid, which make up a very sizable portion of the budget. They’d continue to grow on autopilot. In fact, even if this PAYGO were fully enforced, entitlement spending would continue to grow 6% a year without offsets.
Second, this PAYGO includes an enormous $3.5 trillion loophole. The President’s proposal specifically exempts a wide array of expensive policies. Maya MacGuineas, president of the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget remarked that, “This is like quitting drinking, but making an exception for beer and hard liquor.” And, Senator Kent Conrad (D-ND), Chairman of the Senate Budget Committee has criticized the plan, adding, “I’m not for waiving PAYGO for $3.5 trillion of items, much of which I think ought to be paid for.”
The spending spree of the past 6 months is proof that Congress needs to get serious about saving money. But, simply saying you support PAYGO is not proof that they are serious. I’m not too optimistic that this Administration or this Congress is keen on cutting spending and I have real concerns that this PAYGO will not be used to enforce fiscal responsibility, but will instead be used as an excuse for raising taxes.

Opposition to FY2010 Spending

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

Bachmann Opposes Nearly Half-Trillion Spending Bill
Washington, D.C., Feb 25, 2009 - U.S. Representative Michele Bachmann (MN-6) today provided the following statement after voting against the nearly half-trillion omnibus appropriations bill, which contains over 9,000 earmarks:
“Last night, President Obama repeatedly expressed a desire to pass fiscally responsible legislation, his fear of passing a mountain of debt to future generations, and his intention to greatly reduce the federal deficit.

“All sentiments with which I couldn’t agree more.”

“However, only two weeks after passing a $1.1-trillion economic “stimulus” package and a week after presenting a $275-billion plan to address less than 8% of American mortgages, Washington Democrats today are bringing to the floor an appropriations bill that represents the largest discretionary spending increase, aside from legislation after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, since the Carter Administration.
“If we look back on the last 19 months, you’ll find that the U.S. government has pledged more than $11.6 trillion on behalf of American taxpayers to dig our nation out of the recession – and that doesn’t even include the $410 billion we are about to spend in this latest spending bill.
“Where is the fiscal responsibility?
“Even more incredulous is the fact that this omnibus appropriations bill contains funding for many of the same agencies and programs that already received funds in the so-called “stimulus” bill—162 programs in fact. For instance, it provides $2.9 billion for the 2010 census even though $1 billion was already allocated for this project in the “stimulus” package. We also have funding for the National Endowment for the Arts, which, fresh off receiving $50 million from the “stimulus,” is now in line to receive $138 million in this latest proposal.
“The combined fiscal year 2009 funding for these “double-dipping” programs is $680 billion—a whopping 80% increase in spending.
“Furthermore, the Democrat majority is once again using a massive spending bill to shove sweeping national policy changes through Congress without public scrutiny and without proper debate. This bill contains language to terminate the District of Columbia’s successful school voucher program; it eliminates the “Reading First” program within the Department of Education; and it drastically undercuts construction and design funding for Yucca Mountain, a key component to any plan that puts America on the path to energy independence. The merit of these programs aside, a sweeping spending bill—especially one with no opportunity to amend—is not the appropriate place for any of these measures to be considered.
“Enough is enough. The American taxpayer is already struggling in this weakened economy and it is time Congress started to show respect to the American people and stop increasing the weight of their financial burdens. The spending spree has to stop now.”

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.

Democrat Budget a Crushing Blow for the Economic Security of Future Generations
Washington, D.C., Apr 3, 2009 -
Today (4/2/09), the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Democrat budget. U.S. Representative Michele Bachmann (MN-6) supported two Republican alternatives that were also considered, but were defeated by the Democrat majority. The Congresswoman issued the following statement after the final passage of the Democrat budget proposal.

“Today’s votes in the U.S. House prove once again that the Democrat majority’s actions, whether intentionally partisan or simply misguided, are putting our country on a crash course for financial disaster. Instead of the Democrat budget that spends too much, taxes too much, and borrows too much, the Republican alternatives put America on a path to prosperity.
“The Republicans put forth a vision of greater opportunity and greater freedom. With our alternatives, the American taxpayer would receive health and retirement security, control of our national debt, and an economic plan that puts us back on a path of growth and leadership in the global economy without burdening future generations with excessive debt.
“The Republican budget vision is the one that gives real hope to America. It is the one that shows true compassion not only for today’s taxpayers, but for the children who will build our tomorrow.

“Sadly, the budget that passed today is a vision of an increased role of government in all sectors and a growing national deficit and a burgeoning financial burden for future generations of Americans. How that is sensible to so many Democrat lawmakers is beyond me. The fallout of this budget will not be felt by you and me nearly as much as our children and grandchildren who will be crushed by the ever-increasing weight of our nation’s IOUs.
“There were more sensible and fiscally responsible alternatives, but the interest of our nation and its economic security lost out to the Democrat vision of an increased deficit and reckless spending.”

Support for Spending Limits

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

We need spending limits, not more gimmicks
Washington, D.C., Jul 22, 2009 - U.S. Representative Michele Bachmann (MN-06) today released the following statement as the U.S. House of Representatives considered Paygo legislation:
“Our country’s budget deficit has topped $1 trillion for the first time in our nation’s history. Our nation’s debt stands near $11.5 trillion. At the end of May, the U.S. government owed China $801.5 billion. And unemployment sits at 9.5% and is on the rise. Meanwhile, Democrats are attempting to shove a trillion-plus dollar healthcare proposal down America’s throat.
“American families have said enough is enough. Yet, instead of reeling in out-of-control spending, Democrats are introducing bills that are merely a facade of ‘fiscal responsibility.’ This bill is riddled with loopholes and exemptions, fails to reduce budget deficits, and fails to address the existing crisis of entitlement spending.

“It’s time Congress stop talking about tough decisions and start making them. Republicans have introduced an alternative that really reduces the deficit and places a limit on spending. Americans need real spending reform, not more P.R. gimmicks. If the family budget cannot afford to fund government programs, neither should Congress.”

Opposition to FY 2011 Budget

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

Bachmann Statement on President Obama's Proposed Budget
Washington, D.C., Feb 1, 2010 -
U.S. Representative Michele Bachmann (MN-06) issued the following statement regarding the President’s FY 2011 budget:
“Last week, Republicans pointed out that freezing spending at record levels does nothing to reduce the nation’s deficit and debt or address the massive spending increases we saw in 2009 in the long run. This week, President Obama released a budget that will boost the deficit to a record $1.6 trillion next year alone. That’s an astonishing 10.6% of GDP, the largest deficit as a share of the economy since World War II. Worse yet, the budget doubles the debt in 5 years and triples it by fiscal year 2019.
"We simply cannot expect the path of spending bills, stimulus packages and useless commissions to recover our weakened economy. If President Obama were listening to the American people, he would take the budgeting of our bloated government seriously and look for options beyond more spending financed by taxes on businesses and hard working Americans. The American people are not buying this budget publicity stunt as an actual solution to Washington’s spending addiction.”

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.

Spending Freeze? Yea Right...
2/1/2010 | Email Michele Bachmann | All Posts By Blogger
President Obama said this morning upon the release of his $3.8 trillion budget proposal:
We simply cannot continue to spend as if deficits don't have consequences; as if waste doesn't matter; as if the hard-earned tax dollars of the American people can be treated like Monopoly money; as if we can ignore this challenge for another generation. We can't.
Unfortunately, the budget sent to Congress for the 2011 fiscal year does not support the President’s rhetoric.
President Obama claims to make tough cuts in his proposal while still addressing unemployment and funding for national defense, but his budget forecasts a record-breaking deficit of $1.6 trillion. This startling deficit is 10.6 percent of our country’s gross domestic product. Not good.
Included in the President’s budget are calls for a new jobs bill – with the price tag of $100 billion dollars. The President claims spending money will ease the 10 percent jobless rate. We can look to the $787 stimulus package, passed last February, to see money is not the solution we need.
As Americans watch their own wallets, they likewise want to see true fiscal responsibility from the President. Sadly, this administration will “continue to spend as if deficits don’t have consequences; as if waste doesn’t matter,” affecting generations to come.

YouCut

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

House Democrats Reject America's Vote to Cut Spending
Washington, May 28, 2010 - Today, House Democrats voted against the American people by rejecting the people-nominated YouCut proposal offered by U.S. Representative Michele Bachmann (R-MN). The bill would have eliminated the proposed 1.4% federal employee pay raise scheduled to go into effect next year while also freezing the pay of Members of Congress.
“It’s amazing to me that the Democrats here in Washington can say that they are seriously concerned with our skyrocketing debt and out of control spending, yet reject the people’s common-sense proposal to put a freeze on federal salaries, including Members of Congress,” Bachmann said. “The Democrats can’t have it both ways, and it’s just another example of the fiscal recklessness we’ve grown so accustomed to under their leadership.”
Had this proposal passed, it would have saved the taxpayer approximately $2 billion in the first year, and $30 billion over ten years, and would not have impacted the scheduled 1.4% pay raise for those in the military.
Bachmann's motion was defeated during consideration of H.R. 5136, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011.

Need to Control Spending

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

Bachmann: "Speaker Pelosi Needs to Get Her Spending Addiction Under Control"
Washington, Aug 4, 2010 -
U.S. Representative Michele Bachmann (R-MN) issued the following statement upon Speaker Nancy Pelosi calling the House back into session next week to pass more so-called "stimulus" spending:
"Clearly, Speaker Pelosi just can't help herself. The House hasn't even been out a week and she's already going through spending withdrawals. Despite Missourians sending a clear signal this week against the government's job-killing and reckless spending agenda by standing up to Obamacare, the Democrats would rather continue spending more money we just don't have.
"Speaker Pelosi, if you want to bring us all back to Washington next week, why don't we make it worth the American people's time and money? When we get back, let's begin the immediate repeal of Obamacare, cut federal spending levels, and enact an extensive package of job-creating tax cuts. That's how we'll really turn the economy around and put the American people back to work."

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.

Reducing Our Massive National Debt
Posted by: Michele Bachmann at 10:41 AM
Our economy is suffocating under the massive weight of $13 trillion of debt. The interest on the national debt from fiscal year 2010 was $414 billion alone. As soon as Congress reconvenes, immediate focus must be given to easing our national debt.
Under Speaker Nancy Pelosi, debt has grown $5 trillion, even though she promised “no new deficit spending” when she took the gravel. But it’s not too late for Pelosi to revisit her promise. In the last few weeks of the 111th Congress, Pelosi could consider:
• Cutting federal government spending by 23 percent – the same amount spending has increased since President Obama took office.
• Proposing and passing a balanced budget for 2011 with no tax increases.
• Canceling outstanding “stimulus” funds.
• Returning repaid TARP funds to the U.S. Treasury.
• Repealing Obamacare and all of its ugly, expensive tentacles.
Going forward, a limited government must be achieved. Congress can announce it is getting out of private business and the bailout business. Uncle Sam will not be the financial backstop for any entity.
Additionally, creating a pro-growth economy will be the main focus. Starting with a permanent extension of the tax cuts, Congress must change policies to help small businesses. If the business tax rate is made 9 percent instead of its current 34 percent, it would be nearly the lowest rate in the industrialized world.
Speaker Pelosi, allow us to get our nation back on track before the 111th Congress ends. Your speakership doesn’t have to be marked by the greatest increase in national debt. We still have time to get our fiscal house in order.

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.

Congress Must Avoid Raising the Debt Ceiling
Posted by: Michele Bachmann at 5:08 PM
The American people have given Republicans a second chance. On January 3rd we will take the Majority and face a difficult road ahead. We have many challenges to overcome including defunding and repealing Obamacare, ending the bailouts, and facing a harsh financial reality: our national debt has almost reached the allowable debt ceiling of $14.3 trillion.
A vote on whether or not to raise the debt ceiling will be one of the most significant challenges to the start of the 112th Congress. Congress simply cannot continue to operate under the pretense of “gangster government,” raising the limit upon our whim. We aren’t going to find financial stability by allowing ourselves to fall further down the rabbit hole.
At town halls and rallies across the country we saw men and women willing to put everything on the line for our American principles. They called for a reining in of spending and a decrease in the size of government. They called for strict adherence to the Constitution.
Bickering won’t solve our financial woes. Instead we must pause to consider the gravity of our situation and weigh our options like grown-ups. The American people understand cuts have to be made because a lot is at stake here including our children’s future. Will they have the freedoms we know and enjoy daily? Or will they answer to our foreign debt holders in China?
One option being presented by the Federal Reserve, not Congress, is to fire up the printing presses through quantitative easing. I wrote Chairman Ben Bernanke asking him to reconsider and testify on Capitol Hill before pursuing this dangerous option which will create inflation.
Instead, Members of Congress, elected by the American people, must start working on the difficult cuts that must be made. In the 112th Congress we are ushering in a new era of financial responsibility where bailouts will be history. Fannie and Freddie think they have an unlimited credit card billed to the taxpayer. Earlier this month they even requested another $2.5 billion more. But we need to answer “no”, cut off government subsidies and get them off our balance sheet.
Additionally, any paid-back TARP funds should immediately go to the U.S. Treasury. Also going to the U.S. Treasury should be issued any outstanding “stimulus” funds. As the American people tighten their belts, Congress must tighten the country’s purse strings as we work to put our country back on track.
Now is the time to find fiscal stability. Instead of raising the debt ceiling and giving ourselves an excuse to delay the inevitable, let’s start working on solutions.

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.

BLITZER: Give me one big ticket cut that would you make, $1 billion, $5 billion, $100 billion. Where would you find the money available to deal with the deficit?
BACHMANN: Well, number one, just go back to spending levels of ’08.
BLITZER: Give me a specific example.
BACHMANN: That’s 25 percent of the federal budget. Remember, the federal budget was no lean, mean machine when President Obama took over. In his tenure, less than two years’ time, he has driven up the size of the federal budget almost 25 percent.
BLITZER: There’s a specific cut you would make?
BACHMANN: Take every –
BLITZER: Department of Education?
BACHMANN: Every increase that he took, go back to the –
BLITZER: Department Of Energy? Give me a specific.
BACHMANN: OK. But go back — I am. Go back specifically to where we were with the budget in ’08. That was not a paltry budget. Go back exactly where we were, that solves a lot the problem.
BLITZER: No specific cut you would prose right now other than go back to the 2008 levels?
BACHMANN: Back to the 2008 level, because one thing — we can do across the board cuts, but I don’t think that’s prudent, because there are legitimate projects that have to be done.
Bridges have to be built. Water treatment systems built. I think we don’t want to cut off our nose to spite our face, we have to be smart about this.
BLITZER: You’re basically saying, just have an across the board cut to the 2008 levels?
BACHMANN: No, no. Go back to where the spending priority was in 2008. Start there to begin with because we have to check the driver of spending. Go back to ’08, from there, then we can take the time to go through the budget and find out which priorities we want.
BLITZER: Is there a priority you want to cut?
BACHMANN: That I want to cut?
BLITZER: From 2008, is there something from 2008 that you would cut beyond that 2008 level?
BACHMANN: I’ll give you one example going back to when President Bush was in office. I disagreed with President Bush on no child left behind. I thought it was a failure, and it failed, a failed opportunity. In that bill the federal government ramped up spending more than we had ever seen.
BLITZER: For the Department Of Education.
BACHMANN: Department of Education.
BLITZER: So you would cut that?
BACHMANN: You could start there.
BLITZER: That’s a specific cut.
BACHMANN: Start there.

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.

Bachmann Reacts to Astounding $1.65 Trillion Deficit
Washington, Feb 14 - Today, Congresswoman Michele Bachmann (MN-06) reacted to the latest deficit projection for the current fiscal year:
“Last month the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimated the fiscal 2011 deficit would be a record-breaking $1.48 trillion. Sadly, we learned from today’s White House projection that the federal deficit will actually reach $1.65 trillion in the current fiscal year.
“It’s no secret that our nation is in an atrocious financial state. In response, House Republicans have been working towards saving taxpayers $100 billion for the remainder of this fiscal year. But the discrepancy between the CBO deficit prediction and the White House prediction is a whopping $170 Billion. Just as House Republicans take one step forward to address our serious spending problem we find ourselves two steps back.
“Today President Obama had a great opportunity to show fiscal leadership with the release of his budget. Instead, he continued with his familiar job-destroying tax-and-spend policies.”

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.

Bachmann to Vote Against Continuing Resolution
Washington, Mar 15 -
Congresswoman Michele Bachmann (MN-06) released the following statement ahead of today’s expected vote on a Continuing Resolution (CR) to temporarily fund the government:
“Today I will be voting to continue the fight against ObamaCare. That means I have to vote against the temporary government funding measure that has been proposed by House leaders. This latest Continuing Resolution (CR) does not contain necessary language to defund ObamaCare and stop its implementation.
“We have learned that $105 billion was appropriated when ObamaCare was signed into law. That means the bureaucracy and infrastructure for this government-takeover of health care are already being established. There is no time to delay. We must defund ObamaCare now, and this CR makes no such attempt.
“I am pleased that House leadership has recently acknowledged what some of my colleagues and I have been saying for several weeks: there are slush funds that were slipped into ObamaCare. And while there are media reports about the need to end those funds, it must be known that these slush funds are just the tip of the ObamaCare iceberg. In addition, if action to end these funds is not attached to significant legislation – some form of a leverage point that Senate Democrats must vote on – then it will go nowhere.
“Today’s vote is critically important and I know each of my colleagues will weigh it carefully. I am convinced that a vote for the CR is a vote to not fight against ObamaCare. The time has come to take a stand. 62 percent of Americans favor the repeal of ObamaCare (Rasmussen Reports), and I am standing with those Americans in fighting to stop its implementation.”

Reaction to Ryan Budget

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

Bachmann Reacts to GOP Budget Plan
Washington, Apr 5 -
Congresswoman Michele Bachmann (MN-06) issued the following statement in reaction to the Budget Resolution introduced by Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan (R-WI):
“The fiscal disaster that’s been perpetuated by record levels of government spending is threatening to ruin our country. We need a way out and this plan merits our full attention. House Republicans are offering a budget resolution that is focused on job creation and debt reduction; the two key issues that the American people sent us here to address. This plan is proof that the new majority is heeding the calls of the American people to cut spending.
“The choice before us could not be clearer. President Obama’s spending plan will batter our economy and destroy jobs by adding $9.1 trillion to our national debt over the next ten years and raising taxes by $1.5 trillion. In stark contrast, the Republican plan cuts $6.2 trillion in spending from the President’s budget. The plan intends to fully repeal ObamaCare and cut spending for it. This is what I have been working towards all along.
“I look forward to reviewing this plan further. It is time to put our nation on a sustainable fiscal path.”

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.

KING: Congresswoman Bachmann, you'll get a vote on this issue. What Governor Romney outlined is the goal of Republicans, who's got a big deal to balance the budget. If you can't get that on the short term and this date approaches, those negotiations are continuing, what is your price tag -- what is your price tag in at least a first wave of cuts? And if you don't get it, would you say to the House Republicans, "No, let the government go into default, that's where we need to stand"?
BACHMANN: I've already voted no on raising the debt ceiling in the past. And unless there are serious cuts, I can't.
But I want -- I want to speak to someone that's far more eloquent than I. Someone who said just dealing with the issue of raising the debt ceiling is a failure of leadership. That person was then Senator Barack Obama. He refused to raise the debt ceiling because he said President Bush had failed in leadership.
Clearly, President Obama has failed in leadership. Under his watch, in two and a half years, we've increased the federal debt 35 percent just in that amount of time.
So, what we need to do both, from the Congress and president, he needs to direct his treasury secretary: pay the interest on the debt first, then we won't have a failure of our full faith and credit from their prioritized spending. We have to have serious spending cuts.

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.

FERRECHIO: Thank you. Congresswoman Bachmann, turning to you, you voted against the debt ceiling increase deal and you voted against the Republicans' "cut, cap and balance" bill. You insisted the country was not at risk of default. If you had your way, the debt ceiling would not have been raised. What do you say to analysts who insist that Americans' investments, their 401(k)s, their college funds would have been far worse off today?
BACHMANN: It -- it was very important that we not raise the debt ceiling, because -- consider what happened. The Congress gave Barack Obama a blank check for $2.4 trillion. What did the American people get in return? $21 billion in illusory cuts.
So from the time I've been in Congress, we've gone from $8.67 trillion in debt to now almost double, to $16.7 trillion. This is madness. I've been all across Iowa. People are almost unanimous: Do not raise the debt ceiling. That was the right thing to do. The worst thing that you can do is continue to borrow money and spend money that we don't have.
BAIER: So, I'm sorry, the -- what do you say to the analysts who say that the markets would have fallen through the basement?
BACHMANN: I think the -- I think the analysts -- I think we just heard from Standard & Poor's. When they dropped -- when they dropped our credit rating, what they said is, we don't have an ability to repay our debt. That's what the final word was from them.
I was proved right in my position: We should not have raised the debt ceiling. And instead, we should have cut government spending, which was not done. And then we needed to get -- get our spending priorities in order.

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%.

BLITZER: Congresswoman Bachmann, I'm going to bring Mr. Cain in, in a moment, but the Bush tax cuts in 2001 and 2003, which went across the board, were not offset with spending cuts, and as a result, potentially, a lot of economists think, the deficit went up and up and up.
BACHMANN: Well, there's a reason why the deficit went up and up and up. When you have a trillion dollars worth of spending that you don't pay for, it's going to go up. And now we're seeing again that the president wants to do more of the same.
I was the leading voice in the wilderness of Washington all summer. I was one of the only people in Washington that said do not raise the debt ceiling. Don't give the president of the United States another $2.4 trillion blank check. You've got to draw the line in the sand somewhere and say no more out of control spending.
The president wanted to borrow money from countries like China to pay it back for a stimulus. We've got $1.2 trillion already that's been earned by American countries overseas. If we have a 0 percent tax rate, Wolf, we can bring that 1.2 trillion -- it's called repatriation -- bring that in. You'd have 1.2 trillion flooded into the system, then pass the free trade agreements so that we can move the economy, permanently lower the tax code. I'm a federal tax lawyer. I know how to do that. Repeal Dodd-Frank, repeal Obamacare.
It really isn't that tough if you try. It is easy to turn around this economy, just have the backbone to do it.

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.

QUESTION: Currently, there's a deficit reduction measure to cut defense spending by $500 billion. Would you support such a reduction in defense spending? And if elected president, how will you provide a strong national defense?
COOPER: Congresswoman Bachmann, should defense be cut?
BACHMANN: Well, $500 billion is the amount that the questioner had mentioned. And don't forget, this was an historic week when it came to American foreign policy.
We saw potentially an international assassination attempt from Iran on American soil. That says something about Iran, that they disrespect the United States so much, that they would attempt some sort of heinous act like that.
Then, we saw the president of the United States engage American troops in a fourth conflict in a foreign land. This is historic.
Then, on Sunday, we heard the reports that now that -- in Iraq, the 5,000 troops that were going to be left there won't even be granted immunity by Iraq. This is how disrespected the United States is in the world today, and it's because of President Obama's failed policies.
He's taken his eyes off the number one issue in the world. That's an Iran obtaining a nuclear weapon. That makes all of us in much danger.
COOPER: Time.
BACHMANN: And the president of Iran is a genocidal maniac. We need to stand up against Iran.
(APPLAUSE)
COOPER: Congresswoman --
BACHMANN: And as president of the United States, I will. We will be respected again in the world.
COOPER: The question though was about budget cuts. And is everything on the table in terms of cutting the budget?
BACHMANN: Absolutely everything.
COOPER: So defense spending would be on the table, should be?
BACHMANN: Defense spending is on the table, but again, Anderson, now with the president, he put us in Libya. He is now putting us in Africa. We already were stretched too thin, and he put our Special Operations Forces in Africa.
COOPER: I just want to make sure. OK. It's on the table.
BACHMANN: It's on the table, but we cannot cut it by $500 billion. We can't do that to tour brave men and women who are on the ground fighting for us.

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.

ROSE: All right.
Congresswoman Bachmann?
BACHMANN: Charlie, last summer I was a leading voice in the wilderness of Washington and a lone voice, as a matter of fact, saying: Do not increase the debt ceiling. By that, what I was saying is, let’s not give Barack Obama another $2.4 trillion blank check to spend.
Think of what this means. Our government right now - this is significant - we are spending 40 percent more than what we take in. We all paid a lot of taxes this year. We paid $2.2 trillion in taxes. That’s a lot of money from all the American people. The American government spent 100 percent of that $2.2 trillion, but the travesty is they spent $1.5 trillion more than that. That’s the problem.
Every year, we are spending about 40 percent more than what we take in. Our answer has to be that we cut back on the spending so we get to balance. We can’t do this because all -
ROSE: Will cutting back on the spending -
BACHMANN: all around us are young people that are going to be paying for this burden. And their tax rates won’t be our tax rates. Their tax rates could come at some point.
Their overall effective burden - I’m a federal tax lawyer. That’s what I do for a living. And my - my background is in economics. Their tax rate someday in their peak earning years, Charlie, could be as much as 75 percent. Who’s going to get out of bed in the morning to go to work if they’re paying 75 percent tax rates? We’ve got to get our spending house in order and cut back on spending.
ROSE: Cutting back on spending, in your judgment, will do it?
BACHMANN: That’s one piece of the answer. That’s not the whole answer. But we have to cut back on 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.

Major Garrett: Indeed, Scott. We have a question from Josh Cooper from Woodsboro, Massachusetts. Congresswoman Bachmann, he writes in as this debate was going on. Quote: "Almost half of the federal budget goes to military-related expenditures. Should we increase spending, especially in a debt crisis?
Michelle Bachmann: Well-- the military is also able to-- to have expenditures reduced, as well. And I think probably the best place is in the area of how we finance procurements. Today, we have a situation where we reward those who are designing and-- and-- and-- making our weaponry, based upon the length of time that they take it-- to produce it. We don't do that anywhere else.
So rather than having a cost plus fee, we need to have a fixed cost system. We'll save money. And also, tri-care (PH) could use reform, as well. Those are two areas where we'd yield significant savings. That-- but we cannot do is cut back on the efforts regarding our troops and making sure they're fully resourced.
Major Garrett: A quick follow-up, Congresswoman. Can you name a weapon system that you think should be ended for fiscal reasons? And when you talk about tri-care, that's the military medical system. What do you mean when you say, "Reform," does that mean cuts in benefits?
Michelle Bachmann: No. I think that we need to have modernization. That's what the biggest problem is right now with-- with Social Security, with Medicare, with Medicaid. We're continuing to abide by the models that we had when they were first originated. There's very few businesses that maintain their similar business practices 45 years after inception or 75 years after inception. We have to modernize.
But we also know what the future is in health care, don't we? It is Obama Care. And quite likely, Tri-care, Medicare, all of these will collapse under President Obama, and everyone will be put into Obama Care. No one want to be-- in Obama Care.
Scott Pelley: And that's time--
Michelle Bachmann: That's why it's Commander in Chief.
Scott Pelley: --Congresswoman.
Michelle Bachmann: I'll repeal Obama Care.
...
Major Garrett: Mr. Speaker, thank you very much. Congresswoman Bachmann, please address Senator Demint's question, what programs would you cut, how would you bring it down, the debt?
Michelle Bachmann: I wanna thank you for as-- asking that question, because that really is the number one issue that's facing the country. We are in a terrible debt spiral, so much so that, just in the month of October, we just added another $203 billion in debt. And when you consider the last time that Republicans controlled the budget, it was nin-- 2007, and the debt was $160 billion for the year. This was $203 billion just for the month of October.
For every man, woman and child in the United States, that means each one of us just took on another $650 in debt just for the month of October. That's the velocity that we're growing this debt. So what would I cut? I think, really, what I would wanna do is be able to go back and take a look at Lyndon Baines Johnson's The Great Society.
The Great Society has not worked, and it's put us into the modern welfare state. If you look at China, they don't have food stamps. If you look at China, they're in a very different situ-- they save for their own retirement security. They don't have pay FDC. They don't have the modern welfare state. And China's growing. And so what I would do is look at the programs that LBJ gave us with The Great Society, and they'd be gone.

2012 Presidential Campaign Website Statements

No Debt Ceiling Increase
The US government will spend a record $3.8 trillion this year, with a deficit of more than $1.6 trillion – meaning we will need to borrow an astounding 43 percent of our budget. The national debt this year is larger than America’s economic output for the first time since World War II, and every year we are accumulating more debt than in the first 200 years of our nation’s existence. And it only gets worse.
President Obama’s February budget proposal would add another $2.7 trillion to that debt over the next two years and $9 trillion over a decade. Over the long term, the unfunded liabilities of Social Security and Medicare alone – two programs which already consume 95 percent of federal revenues – have recently been estimated at more than $45 trillion. As never before, we are sentencing our children and grandchildren to a future of indentured servitude to foreign lenders.
But these frightening numbers are only a symptom of the real problem: Washington has lost touch with the constitutional vision of limited government and has far outgrown its bounds. It’s why the Democrats have dug in their heels and are demanding huge tax increases that would only heighten their unprecedented power grabs.
It’s time to draw a line in the sand, and put the federal government back in its place. Congress cannot and should not vote to increase the borrowing limit for the government unless serious steps are taken to reduce spending, and most important, unless the legislation to raise the debt ceiling includes the full repeal of Obamacare, which will add at least $1 trillion to the budget.
Then, as President, I will demand a return to our Founders’ vision of smaller, smarter government within the enumerated powers laid out in the Constitution. The resulting reforms will result in deep cuts in federal spending and ensure that we never face a debt crisis of this sort again.

Voting Record

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Michele Bachmann voted against the budget which contained a debt ceiling increase to $9.815 trillion.

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