Columbus residents tried their hand at balancing the federal budget during a deficit reduction workshop held by Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02), in cooperation with the nonpartisan Concord Coalition, at the National Infantry Museum. During the event, participants were placed in the role of legislators and educated on the difficult balancing of priorities that is necessary to reduce the deficit and balance the budget. Participants were also given the chance to review current budget priorities, suggest proposals, and discuss their political and fiscal implications.
 
"The budget picture now and into the future is daunting to say the least," said Congressman Bishop. "On June 26, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office released its 2018 Long-Term Budget Outlook, indicating that federal debt held by the public will approach 100 percent of gross domestic product within the next 10 years. If we continue down this path, America could be spending more on debt interest payments than on national defense within five years."
 
Congressman Bishop continued, "That is why last night’s exercise was so important. It is vital that we weigh the future impacts of our policy decisions and have an honest conversation about our nation's budgetary situation. Tonight, we examined various trade-offs Congress must consider to address the long-term solvency of the federal budget. The input I received from the local community will greatly inform my work on the House Appropriations Committee when I return to Washington next week."
 
Congressman Bishop is a member of the Blue Dog Coalition of fiscally responsible Democrats who are working to find a responsible framework to reduce spending, pay down our national debt, and balance the budget. The Concord Coalition is a nationwide, nonpartisan organization dedicated to educating the policymakers and the public about the causes and consequences of federal budget deficits.
 
Congressman Bishop has previously held a number of similar deficit reduction workshops across the 2nd Congressional District of Georgia, including in Albany and Macon.