1. United States
2. Tenn.
3. Letter

I am writing to urge Congress to pursue a serious, evidence-based, and humane long-term plan to reduce the national debt and stabilize it below 100% of GDP over time. The United States cannot realistically solve this problem through rhetoric, symbolic cuts, or partisan talking points alone. The scale of the debt requires honesty: no single program, tax cut repeal, or efficiency initiative will be sufficient by itself. Sustainable fiscal reform will require a balanced approach that combines responsible spending restraint, targeted revenue increases, and policies that strengthen long-term economic growth. I believe several principles should guide this effort: 1. Protect vulnerable Americans
Any deficit-reduction plan should avoid placing disproportionate burdens on low-income families, seniors living on modest fixed incomes, disabled Americans, or children. Fiscal responsibility and compassion are not mutually exclusive. 2. Slow healthcare cost growth through efficiency, not reduced access
Healthcare spending is one of the largest drivers of long-term deficits. Congress should focus on reducing waste, excessive pricing, anti-competitive practices, and administrative inefficiency while protecting access to care. Policies such as prescription drug negotiation, payment reform, and reducing Medicare overpayments deserve bipartisan consideration. 3. Preserve and strengthen Social Security responsibly
Social Security should be protected for current and near-retirees while ensuring long-term solvency through gradual reforms. Options such as adjusting or lifting the payroll tax cap, slowing benefit growth for high-income retirees, and phased-in changes should be openly discussed rather than ignored until the system faces crisis-level pressure. 4. Require fiscal honesty for both spending and tax policy
Congress should stop routinely adding to the deficit through unpaid-for tax cuts or spending expansions. PAYGO principles and realistic budgeting should apply regardless of which party controls Congress. 5. Pursue targeted spending discipline, including defense procurement reform
Every part of the federal budget should be subject to scrutiny, including defense contracting, duplication, and inefficient programs. However, broad indiscriminate cuts often create more harm than savings. 6. Support policies that responsibly grow the economy
Debt-to-GDP ratios improve not only by lowering debt, but also by growing GDP. Investments in infrastructure, workforce development, housing supply, scientific research, immigration reform, and childcare access can improve long-term productivity and labor-force participation. Most importantly, I urge Congress to reject the false choice between fiscal responsibility and humane governance. Other developed nations demonstrate that it is possible to maintain economic competitiveness, protect vulnerable populations, and stabilize public finances simultaneously. I understand these decisions are politically difficult. However, continued inaction will eventually force much harsher and less equitable choices. I encourage you to work toward a bipartisan fiscal framework that phases in reforms gradually, protects those least able to absorb economic shocks, and restores long-term confidence in the nation’s finances. Thank you for your service and for considering my views.