WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Ann Kirkpatrick discussed the importance of bringing the fiscal discipline of small town Arizona to Washington in an hour-long tele-town hall tonight, the first in her “Your Issues, Your Voices” series. More than 3,200 joined her for the conversation, which focused on how to address the challenges we face as our national debt nears a record $12 trillion.

Rep. Kirkpatrick emphasized the need for Congress to start making the difficult decisions necessary to reduce government spending. She has crossed party lines to support billions in cuts, and voted against two appropriations bills that increased expenditures despite the economic downturn. The Congresswoman feels strongly that Washington should embrace the values of fiscal restraint and responsibility that people in our rural communities grow up with.

“My parents taught us that when times get tough, you tighten your belt and make your money go further, and Washington has to learn that lesson,” said Rep. Kirkpatrick. “We will never reduce the debt until we reduce our spending, and projects like refurbishing the U.S. Capitol will just have to wait.

“It is amazing to me that some Members do not think we can cut even five cents for every dollar Congress wants to spend,” said Rep. Kirkpatrick.

The Congresswoman also called for Washington to commit to sustainable budget policies even after the downturn ends and the bailout money is returned. She is supporting the reestablishment of pay-as-you-go (PAYGO) rules that require Congress to cut one dollar in spending for each new dollar allocated, along with streamlining the overgrown bureaucracy to produce a more efficient federal government.

Rep. Kirkpatrick is looking to combine ideas from both parties and common-sense solutions from the folks back home to develop a long-term budget plan.

“Our historic debt level is the result of 10 years of both parties being irresponsible with taxpayer dollars, and we cannot make up for $12 trillion worth of bad decisions overnight,” said Rep. Kirkpatrick. “We need to develop a plan that works for the long run, and that means fundamentally changing the way we do business in Washington.”

The Congresswoman took dozens of questions over the course of the tele-town hall. She responded to constituents about her efforts to cut waste by eliminating the black liquor tax loophole, what our fiscal priorities should be and how we can make the appropriations process more fair and transparent.

People from all across the district were able to take part in the tele-town hall, with folks from each of the eight counties listening in. This format allows Arizonans to visit with the Congresswoman and share their thoughts no matter where they live in one of the largest congressional districts in the country. Those who could not participate will be able to listen to a recording on Rep. Kirkpatrick’s website at www.kirkpatrick.house.gov later this week.

The next “Your Issues, Your Voices” tele-town hall will be held on Monday, November 9 at 5:10pm. The Congresswoman will be hosting a conversation on how we can better keep our promises to our Veterans.