As many of you are aware, this week the Senate finally took up legislation that would have set a budget for the rest of the fiscal year as well as impose cuts to federal spending. On Wednesday, I voted for the House-passed plan to reduce the federal government’s spending by $57 billion and against the Democratic alternative that fell far short by cutting spending by just $4.7 billion.
I am disappointed that a majority of my colleagues in the Senate are not taking our fiscal crisis seriously. I fully supported the House-passed proposal to reduce government spending by $57 billion, and like most Americans I would like to see even more cuts. We cannot shy away from the fact that cutting spending is absolutely necessary to put us back on the track to fiscal sanity. We have to stop charging our children and grandchildren for our own excessive spending habits.
I am hopeful that both parties can come together to start to fix our fiscal mess and make the tough decisions necessary to keep our government solvent, create a strong economic environment and spur job growth.
Also this week, the Senate passed a resolution I sponsored to make March 30th “Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day.” On March 30, 1973, all U.S. troops withdrew from Vietnam under the terms of the Treaty of Paris. So, this March 30th, the Senate has encouraged Americans across the country to recognize Vietnam veterans for their sacrifice and demonstrate a warm welcome to these soldiers who returned from war to a politically divided country.
I’m pleased that the Senate has agreed to set aside a day to give our Vietnam veterans a warm, long-overdue welcome home. I strongly encourage communities across North Carolina and the country to observe this day with activities and events that honor these veterans for their service. It’s time they receive the recognition they earned and have deserved for so long. This day also provides our nation with an important teaching moment - never again should our men and women serving in the armed forces receive the same treatment as those who returned from Vietnam.
Yesterday, the Senate confirmed Max Cogburn, of Asheville, to serve as United States District Judge for the Western District of North Carolina. I believe he is an excellent choice to serve as District Judge, and I am pleased the Senate unanimously supported his confirmation. His vast experience - including serving as assistant U.S. attorney, chief assistant U.S. attorney, magistrate judge, and in private practice - makes him a well qualified nominee for this position and an excellent addition to the Court. To watch a video of a speech I gave on the floor of the Senate in support of Max’s confirmation, click here.
Stay tuned to my website and Facebook page, and follow me on Twitter for updates from Washington next week as the Senate continues to debate the budget cuts that must be made to get our fiscal house in order.
Sincerely,
U.S. Senator Richard Burr
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Asheville
Federal Building
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Asheville, NC 28801
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Rocky Mount
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