Rich Nugent: Preserve Senior Benefits But Lower Deficit and Debt

Freshman Florida Republican U.S. Rep. Rich Nugent testified on seniors to the U.S. House Budget Committee on Wednesday, calling for the preservation of current benefits while lowering the deficit and national debt.

With over a quarter of a million seniors living in my district more than any other in the country -- the overriding concern that I have for long-term deficit reduction should be clear, said Nugent. In case it is not clear, I want the committee to know that my constituents and I cannot support any reform that would cut benefits to those on or near retirement. I view those benefits as a sacred promise that this government has made and that my constituents and yours have paid into over their lifetimes in good faith.

My district may be different in the unusual size of its senior population, but I would argue that each and every senior citizen across this country has paid the same, been promised the same, expects the same, and deserves the same thing from this government, continued Nugent. And while our individual districts and states may have a great deal of variation between them, we bear the burden of our national budget together. As you all know, every single man, woman, and child that we represent owes $46,000 as his or her share of the national debt, and that number is growing fast.

Nugent maintained that leaders from both parties were to blame, but added that he had no faith in President Barack Obamas handling of the issue.

The 112th Congress has a choice to make, insisted Nugent. We can kick the can down the road again and tell the American people that everything is fine, that there is nothing to worry about.Or we can step up to the plate and do what our predecessors should have done a long time ago. Make no mistake about it, this responsibility falls to us Republican and Democrat alike. The president has made it clear that he is not going to lead on this issue. And while I would prefer to have a strong commitment from the White House, I am not willing to wait for it.

In closing, I would like to ask the committee that, as you move forward with your work reforming the budget, can you assure me that you share my commitment to protecting those on or near retirement from any benefit cuts? asked Nugent.