Congressman Paulsen on 15 Trillion Reasons to Balance the Budget

by Congressman Erik Paulsen

Wednesday was a historic day for our nation. It was the day that our national debt surpassed $15 trillion.  This mountain of debt not only threatens our nation’s security and current economic stability, but also the future prosperity of our children and grandchildren. We need to stop this reckless borrowing now.

On Friday, the House debated and took up legislation for a Balanced Budget Amendment, which I supported. The simple truth is we cannot continue to spend more than we take in. Over the past 12 months, Washington spent about $1.3 trillion that it does not have. In order to give our children and grandchildren a secure future, we need a balanced budget. 

Read my statement on the Balanced Budget Amendment, and watch my floor remarks here.

Turning the Tide Against Pancreatic Cancer

This year 44,030 Americans will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and over 37,660 individuals will lose their fight against this little-understood disease. Every November we observe Pancreatic Cancer Awareness month to lend support for the lives this disease touches.

To find a cure, researchers, scientists, and doctors must have the tools they need to learn more about this disease. That is why I am a co-author of legislation (HR 733) supporting pancreatic cancer education and assistance. 

Through volunteering, providing research, and creating hope for those who are afflicted, we can turn the tide against Pancreatic Cancer, and take vital steps towards finding a cure.

Watch my floor speech on Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month.

My Bill to Repeal Tax on Innovation Gains 225 Co-Sponsors

For the 35,000 Minnesotans employed in the medical device industry, and the countless others whose daily lives are improved by this innovative sector of our economy, ensuring that America continues to stand out as the leader in creating, developing, and implementing medical devices is one of my top priorities. As of this week, 225 of my colleagues have signed on to support my legislation to repeal the new medical device tax, which was included in the new healthcare law. Medical device companies are already signaling huge job losses because of the new tax, as Stryker recently announcedit would lay off 1,000 employees - or 5% of its workforce - because of the new tax.

I am encouraged by the bipartisan support my legislation has garnered, and will continue to be a passionate advocate to keep these high-paying medical device jobs in America.

Medicare Open Enrollment

Don’t forget the Medicare Open Enrollment period is now open through Dec. 7. If you or anyone you know relies on Medicare, be sure to review the available plans to make sure it’s the right one for you. Click here to learn more.