Buyer: Federal spending too high

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - Congressman Steve Buyer discussed the economy, energy policy and healthcare reform as key topics he is concerned about.

He said he wants the federal government to take a step backward on its spending habits, before it is too late.

"It is now estimated that if we continue at this level of federal spending the national debt, in ten years, could reach $23 trillion," said Buyer (R-IN, District 4).

Congressman Steve Buyer said federal spending is at its highest now, creating a trillion dollar national debt. He said the Obama administration, which blames former President George W. Bush for the extreme debt, is also at fault because of inappropriate action taken thus far.

"The restraints on the growth of our budget right now are not in place. A lot of the appropriations bills that are coming up, you've got increases anywhere from 6 to 8 percent annual increases in their budgets," Buyer said.

When it comes to energy, Buyer said the Democratic administration's plan to reduce carbon emissions, known as "cap and trade," is an unfair practice. He cites two areas of the nation where utility companies now receive carbon emission credits.

"The federal government is giving money to utilities in the pacific northwest and California, for example, and the northeast, whereby their energy portfolios have a very small carbon footprint. Which means in Indiana, if we're at 96, 97 percent, that other 47 percent that Indiana utilities need has to go on the market and buy credits from utilities in Washington or Oregon and California, for example, who they were just given," said Buyer.

The Fourth District Congressman is also concerned about Healthcare Reform. He supports the Associated Healthcare Plan, which he said would reduce premiums for small businesses by allowing them to pool their risks. Democrats propose what's called a single payer system, which the Congressman said is government run.

"You're squeezing the private pay system. As you squeeze the private pay system, you're squeezing them into the public option," said Buyer.

On the agenda this week, Congressman Buyer said a foreign appropriations bill will be introduced. He said he will offer an amendment to that bill to restrain the growth to the 2009 level of federal spending.

Brandt Hershman, Republican State Senator from District 7, attended the news conference as Buyer's congressional staff member.