U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby warned constituents on Monday that continuing to add to the U.S. debt is unsustainable and that tough cuts are necessary to prevent the country from going the way of Greece, which is currently struggling with a severe debt crisis.
Shelby’s remarks came at a breakfast held Monday at the Wiregrass Rehabilitation Center. Shelby’s visit was part of an annual pilgrimage he makes to all Alabama counties.
Shelby said the U.S. government borrows 36 cents of every dollar it spends, a severe problem that could lead to severe economic and policy crises if left unchecked. Shelby said Congress needs to summon the political will to set priorities for spending.
“We need to look at all programs, particularly the ones that have been created in the past 60 years, and start deciding what’s essential,” he said.
Shelby said cuts to entitlement programs would likely be necessary and suggested that Social Security be shored up by increasing the retirement age.
With regard to the upcoming U.S. presidential election, Shelby said he believes the eventual Republican nominee has a good chance of unseating President Barack Obama. Shelby said he feels the American public is beginning to tire of the Obama administration, which he described as the most liberal administration he’s encountered.
Shelby was coy about who he thought the nominee would be, saying he expects a robust and dynamic primary campaign.
Shelby was more specific about GOP Senate pick-up opportunities. The Republicans need four seats to take control of the Senate. Shelby identified Florida, North Dakota, Missouri, Montana, Virginia, Ohio, Nebraska and New Mexico as potential pick-ups.
When asked if he was working on any legislation of benefit to the Wiregrass, Shelby said the appropriation process for the armed forces is to begin soon, and that military appropriations are always important for this area because of Fort Rucker.
Shelby said it could be years before the next round of military base closings and realignment, and that Fort Rucker is in good shape to weather any review because of the importance of its mission to the military.
When asked about a recent Washington Post story about earmarked spending in downtown Tuscaloosa that could have enhanced the value of property owned by Shelby, he denied any wrongdoing and said that increased value in his property was attributable to upgrades to the property he paid for on his own.
“It’s a silly story, really, and it’s going to go no where,” he said.
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