Ernst Requires Actions, Not Just Words, from President

WASHINGTON – After President Biden blew through another deadline to submit his budget request today, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) is requiring the President to submit his budget plan and National Security Strategy before he discusses his agenda at the State of the Union.

This would hold the President accountable to The Budget Act of 1974, which mandates the President’s Budget request should be submitted by today, the first Monday in February, and The National Security Act of 1947, which dictates that the National Security Strategy must be submitted on the same day as the Budget Request.

“Well, actions speak louder than words, folks, and Biden’s budget is late once again,” Ernst said. “If the President is going to be allowed the opportunity to address Congress and the entire nation, he should actually have a plan in place. At a time when Americans are facing skyrocketing inflation and the world is on fire, we deserve more than just empty rhetoric. That’s why, before he delivers his State of the Union, I’m calling on President Biden to put in the work and submit his budget and National Security Strategy. After all, President Biden himself has said, ‘Don’t show me what you value, show me your budget.’ He can consider this a one-month warning…the clock is ticking!”

“The President has a duty to submit an annual budget and National Security Strategy. If the President, regardless of political party, does not get these vital documents to the legislature in a timely manner, then he or she has no business addressing Congress. This is a reasonable check on the Executive Branch to ensure that it meets the American people’s needs. With this President consistently ignoring deadlines, it is our duty to hold him accountable,” said Representative Buddy Carter.  

Specifically, the Send Us Budget Materials & International Tactics In Time (SUBMIT IT) Act would prohibit the leadership of both the Senate and the House from inviting the President to address a joint session of Congress until Congress has received the National Security Strategy and the President’s Budget Request for the subsequent fiscal year. Representative Buddy Carter (R-Ga.) is leading this initiative in the House of Representatives.

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