Vern Buchanan: 'We cannot spend our way to prosperity'

Florida Republican U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan weighed in on Sunday on the House passing a resolution cutting $100 billion from the federal budget over the weekend.

"We cannot spend our way to prosperity," said Buchanan, who added they needed to do more. "This is only a small down payment on what must be done to rein in our runaway debt and restore fiscal sanity to Washington.

"With 14 million Americans out of work, and Florida's unemployment higher than the national average, we need to do everything possible to reduce spending and grow the economy," added Buchanan. "I understand that there will be some pain and sacrifice associated with trimming the budget. But doing nothing or too little is simply not an option."

Buchanan pointed to a number of programs he and his fellow Republicans backed -- including saving $450 million for F-35 jet engines and $447 million for Amtrak, along with $211 million going to help debt relief efforts in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

"We have to put an end to the irresponsible spending policies that have created a mountain of debt for our children and grandchildren," Buchanan said, taking aim at the proposed budget unveiled by President Barack Obama last week.

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