Cut, Cap, and Balance Pledge
Launched June 22, 2011 by a coalition of initially about three dozen conservative groups (list below), the pledge sets out three demands that Congress must meet before agreeing to any increase in the debt ceiling:

1. Cut – Congressional passage of immediate and substantial cuts must be made to reign in our deficit in the short term;

2. Cap – Congressional passage of durable statutory spending caps must be passed that would reduce federal spending to its historic range of 18-20 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP); and

3. Balance – The House and Senate must send to the states for ratification a Balanced Budget Amendment to the Constitution that contains a spending limitation and a “super-majority” vote requirement in Congress for raising taxes.

CCB Coalition Thanks Five Presidential Candidates who have Signed Debt Limit Pledge

June 28, 2011 | Let Freedom Ring USA

Washington, DC — Today the Cut Cap Balance coalition, which is made up of 57 outside groups and 126 Tea Party groups, publicly thanked the five Republican presidential candidates who have signed the Cut, Cap, Balance pledge not to consider raising the debt limit unless the coalition’s three-part plan is passed.

The five candidates, in order of commitment, are Rep. Ron Paul (R-TX), businessman Herman Cain, former Gov. Tim Pawlenty (R-MN), former Sen. Rick Santorum (R-PA) and former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich (R-GA).  The coalition is publicly challenging the remaining announced candidates for President, former Gov. Mitt Romney (R-MA), Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-MN), Ambassador Jon Huntsman and President Barack Obama to also sign the pledge.

Let Freedom Ring President Colin Hanna said, “The candidates running for President must demonstrate leadership, and for those who have signed the pledge, our coalition and tens of thousands of Americans are grateful to them for doing so.  They recognize that the debt limit offers a unique moment to change the fiscal trajectory of the country and to literally save America from entering into a debt crisis.  We challenge the remaining candidates for President to also demonstrate their commitment to cutting and capping spending and passing a strong Balanced Budget Amendment by also signing the pledge.  This is a time for bold leadership, not a time for silence.”

Club for Growth President Chris Chocola said, “All Presidential Candidates should sign the Cut, Cap, and Balance pledge or risk sending a message to the American people that they are not serious about putting our fiscal house in order.”

FreedomWorks President Matt Kibbe said, “In signing this pledge, a presidential candidate is demonstrating that he or she understands the gravity of our country’s fiscal problems. Any candidate seeking the presidency should be bold on getting the debt under control and permanently changing the culture of spending in Washington.”

60 Plus Chairman James L. Martin said, “On behalf of over seven and a half million senior citizen activists, the 60 Plus Association thanks the five presidential candidates who have signed the Cut, Cap and Balance Pledge to cut the deficit, establish statutory spending caps, and adopt an amendment to the Constitution of the United States for a national balanced budget. We commend them for their commitment to America and her seniors, and for focusing on the need to make reforms that will return our country to fiscal health. We urge the other presidential candidates to get on board.”

Tea Party Express Chairman Amy Kremer stated, “Our country is in an economic crisis and while we need to take strong, bold immediate steps to correct these problems, we also need assurance that we won’t have these same problems in the future.  It is good to see that more than half of the current GOP candidates have signed the Cut, Cap & Balance Pledge indicating that they want a more permanent fix to our budget problems.  I hope that all of the remaining GOP candidates will stand with the tea party groups, Senators, members of Congress, candidates for office and thousands of Americans across the country who are calling on them to make this same commitment. The American people will settle for nothing less.”

Citizens United President David Bossie said, “In hard economic times, American families cut, cap, and balance their own budgets at home.  Republican primary voters deserve to know who is serious about tackling America’s out-of-control $14 trillion debt.”

National Taxpayers Union (NTU) Executive Vice President Pete Sepp said, “Historically NTU has not endorsed presidential candidates and has no current plans to do so. However, the elements of the Cut, Cap, and Balance pledge ought to be a part of every serious national conversation on fiscal policy. That means every equally serious officeseeker ought to sign the pledge or be obligated to explain to taxpayers why they won’t.”

Within six days of the coalition’s launch, 12 U.S. Senators, 20 Congressmen and 24 candidates for federal office and over 47,000 citizens have signed the pledge, which can be found at http://www.CutCapBalancePledge.com.  The full list of signers can be found here.

The coalition includes many of the country’s largest, most active, and best funded outside groups in public policy and political advocacy, including FreedomWorks, the Club for Growth, Americans for Prosperity, the Family Research Council Action, the National Taxpayers Union, the Independent Women’s Forum, the American Conservative Union, Concerned Women of America, the American Family Association, Tea Party Express, the 60 Plus Association and many more.  The full list of coalition members can be found here.

Every group in the coalition is activating their membership, scoring votes and pressuring all lawmakers and candidates to sign the pledge.

The Cut, Cap, Balance plan requires:

1)    Congressional passage of substantial cuts in spending that will reduce the deficit next year and thereafter.
2)    Congressional passage of enforceable spending caps that will put federal spending on a path to a balanced budget.
3)    Congressional passage of a Balanced Budget Amendment to the U.S. Constitution—but only if it includes both a spending limitation and a super-majority for raising taxes, in addition to balancing revenues and expenses.

PRESS RELEASE from Ron Paul Presidential Campaign Committee

For Immediate Release: June 21, 2011

Contact: Gary Howard

Ron Paul Signs Cut, Cap, and Balance Pledge on Debt Ceiling

First presidential candidate to take the pledge

LAKE JACKSON, Texas – Today, 2012 Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul became the first of the field to sign the new Cut, Cap, and Balance pledge. The pledge, which is being championed by conservative groups and members of Congress, requires candidates to oppose any debt limit increase unless three major conditions are met.

“We are facing an unprecedented debt crisis, and the prospect of it becoming even worse is on the horizon if we do not deal with our federal government's spending problem,” said Jesse Benton, Ron Paul 2012 Campaign Chairman.

“It would be a disaster to wait until we reach the point where Greece and other European nations are before trying to tackle these tough issues.  Americans want our country to change course immediately.  We can no longer afford a reckless federal government that wastes money, endangers our security by borrowing from other nations, and puts us further into debt to advance an anti-liberty agenda.”

 

For more information on Congressman Ron Paul’s Presidential Campaign visit www.RonPaul2012.com.

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PRESS RELEASE from Pawlenty for President


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE    

June 23, 2011                          

                                            

CONTACT: Alex Conant

 

Gov. Tim Pawlenty To Sign Cut, Cap, Balance Pledge

 

MINNEAPOLIS — Governor Pawlenty released the following statement today after being the first 2012 presidential candidate to sign the Cut, Cap, Balance pledge.

 

"I am encouraged by this measure that underscores the dire need to cut spending and balance the budget. Like my economic plan, this pledge will serve to reverse decades of Washington's fiscal mismanagement," Gov. Pawlenty said. "Washington has continued to kick the problem of out-of-control spending down the road.  President Obama's economic policies have failed and his Administration has racked up historic burdens of debt for future generations. As president, I would significantly cut federal spending, enforce a spending cap, and pass a Constitutional amendment to balance the budget, so I obviously support congressional leaders who are trying to do that now."

Gov. Pawlenty recently unveiled his economic plan, 'A Better Deal,' at a speech at the University of Chicago where he proposed a constitutional amendment to balance the budget with a federal spending cap of around 18% of GDP. Earlier this year, he warned against raising the debt limit and urged others to reform entitlement spending in this Washington Post Op-ed.  Gov. Pawlenty cut state government spending in real terms for the first time in Minnesota's history and balanced the budget every year during his two terms.

WEB POSTING on Newt 2012
 June 29, 2011

GINGRICH SIGNS CUT, CAP AND BALANCE PLEDGE


Atlanta, GA – Newt Gingrich signed the Cut, Cap and Balance pledge today strengthening his over thirty year commitment to fiscal discipline.


"Balanced budgets are achieved by those who are committed," said Gingrich, who passed the first balanced budget in a generation as U.S. House Speaker. "Fiscal discipline requires lawmakers to be smart not cheap and requires a different type of thinking than we see in Washington. I am proposing bold solutions because we have big problems. I pledge to be a President who will rein in deficits, the debt and out of control spending. It can be done, I know because we've done it before."


The Cut, Cap and Balance pledge was a created by a coalition of over 40 conservative grassroots organizations who are calling on elected officials to support spending cuts and balancing the federal budget.


The pledge reads:


I pledge to urge my Senators and Member of the House of Representatives to oppose any debt limit increase unless all three of the following conditions have been met:


1. Cut - Substantial cuts in spending that will reduce the deficit next year and thereafter.


2. Cap - Enforceable spending caps that will put federal spending on a path to a balanced budget.


3. Balance - Congressional passage of a Balanced Budget Amendment to the U.S. Constitution -- but only if it includes both a spending limitation and a super-majority for raising taxes, in addition to balancing revenues and expenses.


Gingrich was the first presidential candidate to propose a jobs plan which includes balancing the federal budget, bold tax cuts and development of an American energy plan. Combined with significant repeal of Obama era regulation the plan will eliminate the budget deficit and help pay down the national debt.


In June, Gingrich was the first presidential candidate to sign Save America Now's pledge which calls on lawmakers to utilize the Lean Six Sigma fiscal waste reduction method developed by Reagan Administration official Mike George.

PRESS RELEASE from Gary Johnson 2012

PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE GARY JOHNSON SIGNS CUT, CAP AND BALANCE PLEDGE

July 7, 2011, Sante Fe, NM – Presidential Candidate Gary Johnson today signed the Cut, Cap and Balance pledge, which opposes raising the debt ceiling unless certain conditions are met including substantial spending cuts, enforceable spending caps and passage of the Balance Budget Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

Signing the pledge Governor Johnson said, “With the debt limit deadline approaching quickly, signing this pledge is an easy decision.  It’s easy because it represents the minimum Congress and the Administration should do before even considering the approval of more borrowing.

“Frankly, my only hesitation in signing it is that it doesn’t demand enough – quickly enough,” Johnson said.  “We can balance the budget now, and if it takes a debt limit hammer to make it happen, then so be it.  The alternative is once again postponing our financial reckoning, and we have had enough postponements already."

The Cut, Cap and Balance pledge originated from a coalition made up of over 60 conservative and 133 tea party groups, including Let Freedom Ring, 60 Plus Association, FreedomWorks, Americans for Prosperity, and the Tea Party Express.

PRESS RELEASE from Bachmann for President
For Immediate Release
July 18, 2011		 Contact: Alice Stewart

Bachmann Signs "Cut, Cap and Balance" Pledge in South Carolina

Columbia, S.C. - Republican presidential candidate Michele Bachmann signed the "Cut, Cap and Balance" Pledge today during a campaign stop in Columbia, South Carolina. Senator Jim DeMint (R-SC) has authored and championed the Pledge, which represents a critical first step in the fight to rein in the Obama administration's out-of-control spending. In keeping with her priorities, Bachmann added a line to the pledge - the repeal and defunding of Obamacare. Bachmann is proud to join Senator DeMint in his fight to encourage legislators to address the $14.4 trillion national debt and set the stage for fiscal responsibility for future generations.

"The principles found in this Pledge are a historic step in the right direction toward the fundamental restructuring we need in the way Washington spends taxpayer dollars," Bachmann said. "I commend Senator DeMint for his tireless and relentless efforts to fight for America's taxpayers, for America's economy, and for America's future."

Bachmann continued, "In signing the Pledge, I am adding a line; I also pledge that along with cutting spending, putting in place enforceable spending caps, and passing a balanced budget amendment, we must repeal and defund Obamacare."

With signing this Pledge, Bachmann is speaking for the many voices from across the country that will face the devastating impact and uncertainty of Obamacare on their businesses and families.

"Obamacare is the largest spending and entitlement program in our nation's history," Bachmann said. "Without its repeal, we cannot have real economic reform."

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PRESS RELEASE from Democratic National Committee
For Immediate Release
July 21, 2011
 
Contact: DNC Press
 
DNC Calls on Mitt Romney to Stop Waffling and Tell the American People How He Really Feels About “Cut, Cap, and Balance”
 
Washington, DC – In recent weeks, Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney has once again taken a number of confusing and contradictory positions – this time, on the debt limit negotiations and the House Republicans’ “Cut, Cap, and Balance” plan. From refusing to comment on the issue at all, to supporting “Cut, Cap, and Balance,” to qualifying his support on the cap, to supporting the House version of the legislation, Romney has been all over the map.  With regard to Mitt Romney’s contradictory statements, DNC Communications Director Brad Woodhouse said:
 
“The most important question for America’s future today is: how do we make sure America’s economy works for middle class families while getting our fiscal house in order in a responsible manner?  Mitt Romney has proven unable to answer that question – from day to day, he doesn’t seem to know where he stands on the issue.  As a candidate for president, he should be able to talk clearly about the direction he wants to take our country, and how we address the deficit will have an enormous effect on our nation’s course. In typical Mitt Romney fashion, he’s stuck his finger in the political winds and hedged his stance no less than six times, now saying he supports the House version of Cut, Cap, and Balance- that is, of course, until he changes his mind again.
 
“The House Republican Duck, Dodge, and Dismantle plan is irresponsible and reckless. It would gut Social Security and Medicare to pay for tax breaks for the wealthiest Americans. That Mitt Romney would, for the time being, support the disastrous Cut, Cap, and Balance plan shows once again that he is the worst kind of politician- someone who will run to the politically expedient position and not stand by his principles—whatever they may be.”
 
FIRST, ROMNEY REFUSED TO ANSWER QUESTIONS ON THE DEBT CEILING
 
Romney “Repeatedly Refused To Answer Multiple Questions From Reporters About Whether The Nation’s Debt Ceiling Should Be Raised.” “But while Romney pitched his candidacy based on his business background, he repeatedly refused to answer multiple questions from reporters about whether the nation’s debt ceiling should be raised.” [Los Angeles Times, 6/3/11]
 
THEN, ROMNEY SIGNED THE CUT, CAP AND BALANCE PLEDGE
 
Romney Signed The ‘Cut, Cap And Balance’ Pledge. “Mitt Romney, frontrunner for the Republican 2011 presidential nomination, just signed the newest of the Republican fiscal pledges, the ‘Cut, Cap and Balance’ vow supported by a coalition of conservative groups. The pledge calls for its signers to oppose raising the debt ceiling unless legislation passes that requires deep spending cuts, enforceable spending caps and a balanced-budget amendment.” [NPR, 6/30/11]
 
THEN, ROMNEY REFUSED TO SAY WHERE HE STOOD
 
Romney’s Campaign “Refused To Say” Where Romney Stood On The Debt Ceiling. “Pressed for front-runner Mitt Romney’s views [on the debt ceiling], Romney campaign aides refused to say where the former Massachusetts governor stood. Instead, they forwarded a past statement castigating President Barack Obama ‘for frightening new levels of federal spending and deficits.’…” [Wall Street Journal, 7/7/11]
 
HE CONTINUED TO STAY SILENT
 
Headline: ‘Romney Silent Over Debt Talks’ [Wall Street Journal, 7/12/11]
 
THEN, ROMNEY SAID CUT, CAP AND BALANCE WAS A “LINE IN THE SAND”
 
Romney Said Cut, Cap And Balance Was “The Line In The Sand.” “’The answer for the country is for the president to agree to cut fed spending, to cap fed spending and to put in place a balanced budget amendment,’ Romney said in a question and answer session at a meeting Thursday of the Portsmouth Rotary. ‘For me, that’s the line in the sand. Come on, Mr. President.’” [Washington Post, 7/14/11]
 
THEN, THE ROMNEY CAMPAIGN WALKED IT BACK
 
Romney Campaign Qualified His Support For Cut, Cap And Balance, Said He Did Not Specify Cap Level. “GOP candidates say they are sticking by the pledge. But a Romney campaign official noted that the version of the cut, cap and balance pledge Mr. Romney signed doesn't specify a level for the federal spending cap.” [Wall Street Journal, 7/18/11]
 
NOW, ROMNEY SAYS HE SUPPORTS THE HOUSE-PASSED CUT, CAP AND BALANCE
 
Romney Said He Supported The House-Passed Cut, Cap And Balance. At a media availability in Los Angeles, Mitt Romney said, “I think the right course for the president is to accept the cut cap and balance proposal that has been passed by the house.” [New York Times, 7/20/11]
 
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Cut, Cap, Balance Pledge