U.S. Rep. Fred Upton is asking people of southwest Michigan to share their ideas for cutting federal spending and reducing the national debt.
Upton, of St. Joseph, is one of 12 members of the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction, also called the “super committee” — a bipartisan, bicameral panel tasked with finding at least $1.5 trillion in federal savings over the next decade. The committee will have until Nov. 23 to submit its proposal to the Congress for an up-or-down vote without amendment or filibuster before Dec. 23.
Earlier this week, the Joint Select Committee launched its official website at www.DeficitReduction.gov, which allows all Americans to view the Committee’s latest news and notices, live stream hearings, and submit suggestions. Upton has added a special “Cutting the Debt” comment section to his own official website — http://upton.house.gov — for residents of Michigan’s Sixth Congressional District to share their deficit reduction ideas directly with him. As always, constituents are also encouraged to call, fax or drop by Upton’s Kalamazoo, St. Joseph-Benton Harbor or Washington, D.C. office to share their views on the debt or any other federal issue.
“When it comes to addressing our nation’s skyrocketing debt, the stakes could not be higher,” Upton stated. “This is particularly true for folks here in Michigan, who after nearly three years of double-digit unemployment, deserve some economic certainty.  Without significant cuts and budgetary reforms, our children and grandchildren will face an insurmountable avalanche of debt. I would encourage everyone to become a part of the process by putting their ideas on the table — we all must work together to put our nation’s fiscal house back in order.”