In January, prices for consumers rose at the highest level since 1982. Inflation is devastating for all Americans, but the price hikes for everyday goods, like gas and groceries, as well as big purchases, like cars and homes, are disproportionately hurting working-class families in Wisconsin and across the country.

For quite some time, I have been highlighting these rising costs for consumers. Despite this, many in Congress continued to push spending plans that would result in both consumer prices and our national debt continuing to rise.

This week, the House Budget Committee held a hearing titled, “Why Congress Needs to Abolish the Debt Limit.” My Committee colleagues on the other side of the aisle spent their time arguing that the debt limit should be eliminated due to the threat of a default and the potential consequences for the federal budget and economy. While I do not believe the U.S. should default, the practical way to avoid this is to reign in spending, not eliminate the debt limit and open the door to $trillions more being added to the debt, which is now over $30 trillion for the first time in history.

During the hearing, I asked the former Director of the U.S. Office of Management and Budget, Mick Mulvaney, about the root cause of the inflation “tax” and the need to balance our federal budget because I am accountable to you, the residents of Wisconsin's Sixth Congressional District. I keep your interests in mind and fight for them every day. We need to create a responsible budget, which is why I am always looking for ways to hold Washington accountable and secure a brighter future for our children and grandchildren.