Rep. Joe Wilson Has Hopes for Budget Deal

Last week Congressman Joe Wilson was sworn in for his seventh term representing the Second Congressional District in the House of Representatives.

In advance of the 113^th session of Congress, Wilson released his Legislative Agenda—it’s attached to this article.

It’s no surprise that the agenda focuses in the economy. The economy in District 2 received a jolt of good news last week when Time Warner Cable announced it was moving in to the old NCR building in Lexington County and hiring more than 600 employees.

Wilson said Time Warner’s arrival was a result of several governmental groups working together including Gov. Nikki Haley, Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt and staffers in his office. “But it all begins with Mayor Pat Smith in Springdale, who is very encouraging to the Central Carolina Alliance,” Wilson said.

Wilson said that landing Time Warner for the Midlands is an example of how government can work with business to improve a community. And one of the best ways to do that is through education.

“Having an educated and reliable workforce is critical to attracting business,” Wilson said. “It’s no coincidence that the Time Warner’s new location is a few blocks from Midlands Tech campus.”

Though things are looking up locally, in Washington, Congress continues to be a symbol to many Americans of what’s wrong with the country.

With the economy still sluggish and the nation’s debt rising by the minute, it took 11^th hour negotiations to prevent the country from going over the fiscal cliff.

As a fight looms over raising the debt ceiling, Wilson says he is prepared to vote in favor doing just do that, but only if there are “meaningful and substantial” reductions in spending.

“The President has previously said that a budget with a deficit of $300 million is unacceptable and I interpreted that to mean there would be an effort to restrain spending,” Wilson said. “Sadly, that’s not what has happened.”

Wilson said that the spending cuts that have been discussed disproportionately affect the military. “Fifty percent of the cuts are in the military, which makes up 15.1 percent of the budget. More cuts would put our country at risk,” Wilson said.

Much has been made about Congress’ inability to perform even the most basic functions, but Wilson said such reports are overblown.

“Democrats and Republicans have different ideologies that are in conflict. I believe in limited government and that the countries that follow that will be successful. I believe that big government actually ends up hurting people who need it the most,” Wilson explained.

“But I work with many Democrats on the committees I sit on. And when it comes to issues that affect South Carolina, I know I can work with Jim Clyburn (D-6).”

In the coming months the two parties will have to work together to continue the economic recovery. “I’m concerned, but hope springs eternal,” Wilson said

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