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Q: You have been, perhaps, the most vocal Republican calling for the withdrawal of combat forces from Iraq. President Barack Obama announced his intentions Friday to do that by next summer. Is that a fast enough withdrawal?
A: I’m pleased the president has a timetable to start withdrawing the troops from Iraq. I wish President Bush had said that about four years ago.
Q: In his address to Congress this week, Obama said he would cut the deficit in half in four years. Do you think he will be able to do that?
A: I like the idea that he’d like to cut the deficit in half. But in the last two weeks, Congress has spent $1.2 trillion dollars. The only way to reduce the deficit is to stop the spending. I wish the president had called for level spending based on last year’s budget numbers.
Q: You voted against the $787 billion economic recovery package. Was there any spending in the bill that you liked?
A: Usually in a comprehensive bill, there’s some good. But how can you grow the government when you have to borrow the money to pay for it? They could have given a smaller amount of money to states to spend on roads and bridges and clean drinking water projects. We need to face that America is in trouble and stop aid to foreign countries and trips overseas by members of Congress, unless they’re visiting the troops. There is no money.
Q: You are the only Republican co-sponsor of legislation to create a commission to investigate torture, warrantless wiretapping, intelligence manipulation and other controversial acts by the Bush administration. Why?
A: I believe that the truth will set you free. A nation that is built on freedom will not have that freedom unless they demand truth from elected officials. Those who created intelligence to justify going into Iraq should have to answer to the American people. This commission is not about prosecutions, it’s about exposing the truth.
Q: What grade would you give President Obama after his first month in office?
A: B or B-minus, primarily because of spending. He inherited an overwhelming task. When Mr. Bush won, we had a surplus. Obama did not inherit a surplus.
--Sean Mussenden
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About Five Questions
Each week when Congress is in session, Washington correspondent Sean Mussenden sits down with a different member of the North Carolina delegation for an in-depth interview on issues of importance to you.
The answers have been condensed for space and are not direct quotes. Watch a video of the extended interview by clicking on questions in the player above.
Got a burning question for your North Carolina member of Congress? Email smussenden@mediageneral.com or 202-662-7668.
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