WASHINGTON, D.C.  – U. S. Senator Rob Portman (R-Ohio), a former budget director, today issued the following statement in response to President Obama’s speech on America’s debt and deficit:

“While I am pleased President Obama has acknowledged the budget he put forward in February failed to address the nation’s looming fiscal crisis, I continue to be disappointed by the lack of specific proposals from the President to fix our staggering debt and deficit. His budget plan was a political document that called for more spending and rejected the serious recommendations of his own Fiscal Commission, which set a deficit reduction goal of more than $4 trillion over 10 years. This goal should be the standard for any serious plan to reduce the deficit.

“The stakes are high. America’s staggering debt and deficit are directly linked to our ability to move the economy and create jobs. Without a serious commitment on our short and long term spending, we cannot create a pro-growth environment that’s necessary for a strong economy. And without stronger economic growth, we cannot hope to emerge from the dangerous overlay of debt. We must both restrain spending and grow the economy to regain footing. 

“Our nation is in need of leadership to fix our fiscal threat. Families in Ohio and throughout our country deserve better than what they’re seeing from Washington. While we can debate about the specifics in Congressman Ryan’s budget, there is no doubt the House Republican plan provides the kind of real leadership and innovative solutions that are necessary to ensure that our children and grandchildren enjoy the same opportunities that we do today.”