Administration Must Keep Sights on Economy and Job Creation

Several developments occurred last week in Washington that impact the debate we're having on debt, spending and job creation. One was a concerning report highlighting the need to reform our unsustainable entitlement programs. Meanwhile, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) was busy pushing for a change to federal law that could stifle job creation in right-to-work states like Nebraska. Both events highlighted the different but significant ways in which, if we don't take the responsible approach, we could end up hurting our economy instead of reviving it.

I appreciate President Obama reaching out and inviting Senate Republicans to the White House to discuss our debt. Last month I co-authored a letter to him, signed by 32 Republicans and 32 Democrats, urging him to show leadership on addressing our debt and deficit, and I hope last week's meeting is the first of many, not just window dressing. The President's leadership is critical in our efforts to rein in spending and bring down our debt. Though I can't say any new ground was broken, it's a start.

One of the many warning signs of the serious need to address our debt is the reality that we've maxed out the credit card by hitting our debt ceiling. I'm concerned about the potential of a debt default, but I remain equally concerned about the inevitable crisis we'll face if we don't reverse our runaway spending. I would need to see a substantial commitment to deficit reduction before I vote to increase the debt ceiling. Another red flag is being waved by some of our country's foremost experts on Medicare and Social Security. The Medicare and Social Security Trustees' report concludes we're now closer than previously thought to seeing the insolvency of both programs. Both are now paying out more than they're collecting in taxes. It reaffirms the urgency with which we must confront our spending.

Another development last week could impact the economy and job creation in a different way. Contrary to long-standing federal law, the NLRB asked a judge to force Boeing to halt construction of a new production line in South Carolina, a right-to-work state, because it already had one in Washington state.

NLRB claims the new facility is retaliation against unions in Washington state – a polarizing accusation that could hinder job creation in Nebraska by discouraging businesses from hiring in right-to-work states. NLRB's claim is unfounded; since Boeing expanded to South Carolina, the Washington line has actually hired 2,000 more workers. We should be encouraging job creation, not discouraging it – not to mention the stunning government overreach into private business plans. I've signed onto a bill that would guarantee an employer the right to decide where to hire within the U.S. and prevent NLRB from ordering employers to relocate jobs.

We've got important work to do in the months ahead, and the Administration will be critical in determining whether we help our economy by encouraging job creation and controlling our finances, or take steps backward by playing political games with jobs and encouraging more reckless spending. I'll continue to advocate for the responsible approach and for the best interests of our great state.