As the November elections definitively displayed, Americans are fed up with Washington’s cavalier attitude when it comes to our nation’s fiscal future. As lawmakers continue to promise far more than the country can afford, our budget deficit and national debt have grown to unprecedented heights.

A new poll from Public Notice reveals that the public’s appetite for fiscal responsibility has not yet been tempered by promises of cuts. The results show that not only does a plurality want to see deeper cuts, but a majority would be more likely to support a Member of Congress that is in favor of spending reductions.

Below are excerpts from the poll memorandum, along with graphical representations of the data. Click here to view the memo in its entirety.

Voters are comfortable with significant cuts to the federal budget. First, a majority (53%) of voters have paid “a lot” of attention to the debate over federal budget cuts, and a mere 21% say the $60 billion in cuts that Congress is considering is too high. A plurality (36%) says the cuts are too low, with 31% saying they are about right.

The political impact for a member who is in favor of the cuts appears to be a net positive. A majority (52%) are more likely to support their member of Congress if he or she supports these cuts, while only 28% are less likely. Support for re-electing a member who votes in favor of these cuts is high among Republicans (67%), and reaches majority support among Independents (54%).

 

With the recently approved continuing resolution only lasting two weeks and as our national debt rapidly approaches its legal limit, lawmakers will constantly be faced with decisions that have long-term implications. Congress must heed voters’ demands for fiscal responsibility and keep their promise to make the necessary cuts to restore our economy’s vitality.

BA