Source: US Rep. George Holding (NC-13), 10/11/13

Dear Friend,

We can all agree that our nation’s fiscal house is not in order – we are quickly approaching almost 17 trillion dollars in debt and our government continues to borrow and spend recklessly with no end in sight. As we discuss whether or not to raise the debt ceiling, we must take a step back and understand why we are having this discussion in the first place - and that is because our federal government continues to spend more than we take in.

In recent memory, when our nation has raised the debt ceiling presidents from both sides of the aisle have come to the table to negotiate. President Obama, after several weeks of requests from House Republicans, has only just begun to have the conversation about how we tackle our nation's debt problem that threatens our economy. There have been several proposals in the works, and although a deal has not been reached, we will continue to communicate until there is a plan that seriously addresses our nation's fiscal woes.

Right now Congress has a real opportunity to make spending cuts and reforms to federal programs that will get our debt under control and put our nation back on a sustainable fiscal path. If Congress fails to come up with a plan that addresses wasteful and duplicative spending, we will be putting our economy and the future of our children at risk.

George Holding
Member of Congress 13th