Ernest Istook

“It is an unfortunate fact that the bulk of budget cuts have to come from the discretionary side of the budget.”

“The debate here is not between reducing the deficit and cutting taxes. The debate is between reducing the deficit and continuing to increase government spending.”

“We need to replace the ‘I deserve it’ mentality with the ‘I can do it’ mentality.”

“The purpose of government is to protect the rights of the individual, not to provide for every want and need.”

“Federal spending is out of control and has been for a long time.”