Congress has been irresponsible with the national debt, and the continual argument about the debt ceiling proves this lunacy. We have to raise the debt ceiling, but we should not be in this situation. There are consequences for reckless spending.

The global economy relies on a robust American economy, but spending beyond our means produces instability that ripples around the globe. Beyond the rest of the world, we have significant financial issues hurting the middle class and those who desire upward mobility through hard work. Can you believe how expensive a college education and a starter house are today?

Sound financial decisions are the basis for long-term sustainability, but there seems no appetite for restraint. Our country must spend less, stabilize the Social Security program, and freeze the expansion of social programs until we can balance the budget.

We need fiscal leadership.