WASHINGTON, DC (WHBL) - Congress is back in session Tuesday following the August recess and the Labor Day weekend. They have a lot on their plate from the Iran nuclear deal and funding for Planned Parenthood. Another matter Congress must take up is funding the federal government once the new fiscal year begins October 1.
Sixth-District Congressman Glen Grothman says the new budget will be in better shape than recent ones with a three percent spending growth and a five percent growth in tax collections.
He tells WHBL News he would like to see more steps taken soon on lowering the budget deficit, and that could be achieved if his party colleagues has the will to do so. "We’re gonna see really whether the Republican Congress can get its act together and take solid steps towards balancing that budget."
Grothman also says an issue to be taken up is the debt ceiling, which will need to be increased in order for the government to function. He is not advocating for a shutdown of government, but at least use it to a certain advantage for majority Republicans. "And we’ll see whether the Republicans leadership can drive a hard bargain, and make some cuts to spending."
Grothman suggested that an area to reform federal funding is social security disability and what qualifies someone to receive this benefit.