By Neil H. Simon
Media General News Service
Media General News Service
Email to a Friend
Stumble It!
 |
GOODLATTE 5Q
Q: Why did you oppose the stimulus bill?
A: It's $800 billion in new spending without any resources to pay for it. That is not the best way to grow our economy. It's going to have detrimental effects down the road.
Q: Do you agree with Rush Limbaugh and others who have said they want President Barack Obama or the stimulus to fail to help Republicans politically?
A: Now that the stimulus has been signed into law by President Obama, the American people have a tremendous stake in it. We hope it results in the economy growing. We also need to have our agenda of fiscal responsibility on the table. We should be ready with alternatives, so if the stimulus does not succeed, we'll be ready to take the country in a new direction.
Q: What legislative priority are you focusing most attention on this Congress?
A: It's most important that we limit government. The federal government has a history of kicking the can down the road. That's why I started this Congress off by introducing a balanced budget amendment, which would phase in a balanced budget requirement over a five-year period.
Q: What would constituents be surprised to learn about you?
A: They might be surprised by how much I work. It's about 80 or 90 hours a week.
Q: How would you grade Obama's performance in office so far?
A: I wouldn't put a letter grade on him. I think he gets high grades. Americans agree with what he said in his address to Congress - I certainly did. He's included Republicans and met with us. But it's the policy issues that give me a greater concern.
***
About Five Questions
Each week when Congress is in session, Washington correspondent Neil Simon sits down with a different member of the Virginia delegation for an 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 Virginia member of Congress? Email nsimon@mediageneral.com or call 202-662-7669.