Congressman Rogers Gives Reasons on 'Cut, Cap and Balance' Vote

U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers — who represents the Hartland and Brighton areas as part of Michigan's 8th District — voted Tuesday for a "Cut, Cap and Balance" plan that would require approval of a balanced budget amendment before the debt ceiling could rise.

Here's Rogers' statement his office issued Wednesday on the vote:

“Michigan families are understandably nervous with what is happening in Washington, watching gas and food costs increase while their paychecks are not. And yet some in Washington, D.C. want to spend more taxpayer money with no restrictions on future spending.

“From the $2 trillion government health care takeover to $1 trillion ‘stimulus’ bill, Washington has now hit the limit on its credit card and is asking for more.

“We need to get spending under control, eliminate the deficit and start paying down our national debt so we stop stealing future opportunity from our kids and grandkids and allow the private sector to get Americans back to work. That is why I voted for a responsible budget and the ‘cut, cap and balance’ plan that does just that.

“Families understand they have to balance their checkbook, and if their wages go down they have to cut back on some things. It’s time that the federal government finally learns that lesson.”

The measure isn't considered likely to pass with it likely not finding support from the Democratic senate, according a Huffington Post news story about the vote. President Barack Obama has promised a veto, the article said.

But the vote was considered an important to show Republicans back their conservative principals, although some in the GOP — including U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann — thought it didn't go far enough.

It also is one of the lastest moves on Capitol Hill in an on-going debate on what to do about an upcoming Aug. 2 deadline where it's predicted the government will run out of money unless the debt ceiling is raised.