As the Senate readies itself for a “no confidence” vote in Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, Senator Tom Coburn readies himself to add an amendment to that legislation expressing “no confidence” in Congress’ ability to cut wasteful spending or balance the budget

The whole letter is below the jump.  Here’s a few choice excerpts:

As you know, the national debt of the United States of America now exceeds $8.5 trillion and just last week, Congress approved a $2.9 trillion budget resolution that includes $23 billion more in spending than was requested by the President.

For you North Dakotans in the audience, that would be Senator Kent Conrad’s $8.5 trillion dollar budget that raises spending $23 billion over what the President asked for.  You know, the one Senator Conrad claims won’t raise taxes and will balance the budget

Coburn continues:

There is no question that Congress has a dangerous spending problem that can no longer be ignored.

Experts point out that the most important step an addict can take is to first admit you have a problem. It is obvious to everyone that Congress has a big problem. It’s time that we finally admit it and take responsibility. Unfortunately, the Senate has twice this year rejected amendments that expressed the sense of the Senate that Congress has a moral obligation to offset the cost of new Government programs and initiatives. Our nation can not afford for the Senate to live in such a state of denial

It is hypocritical for the Senate to grand stand for political purposes while ignoring its own shortcomings that threaten the solvency of Social Security and Medicare and the standard of living of future generations.

It is indeed hypocritical, and it’s mostly the fault of the Democrats.  Remember that any attempt to reform Social Security or bring entitlement spending like Medicaid or Medicare into line has met with fierce Democrat opposition.  Opposition that is never apparent when it comes time to raise taxes or increase spending

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