From a release this afternoon comes evidence that Sen. David Vitter doesn’t have any pressing 4th of July plans…

U.S. Sens. David Vitter (R-La.) and several Senate colleagues sent Majority Leader Harry Reid a letter today demanding that the Senate have a constructive debate on spending and debt before considering any other legislation.

“Let’s not be in session just to try and fool the American people into thinking the Senate is working on the nation’s fiscal crisis. Let’s actually begin a constructive debate on the biggest challenge our country faces – spending and debt,” the senators wrote.

Vitter also joined U.S. Sens. Ron Johnson (R-Wi.), Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.), Jim DeMint (R-S.C.), Marco Rubio (R-Fl.), Mike Lee (R-Ut.) Rand Paul (R-Ky.), John Cornyn (R-Tx.), Jeff Sessions (R-Al.) and Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) at a press conference yesterday making these demands.

June 30, 2011

The Honorable Harry Reid

Majority Leader
United States Senate
S-221 Capitol Building
Washington, D.C. 25015

Dear Majority Leader Reid:

Yesterday we came together to make it clear that we believe the Senate should not go on vacation while our country goes bankrupt.  We vowed to block any recess or pro forma session next week.

We’re glad you have accepted that reality.  But let’s not be in session just to try and fool the American people into thinking the Senate is working on the nation’s fiscal crisis. Let’s actually begin a constructive debate on the biggest challenge our country faces – spending and debt.

With that goal, we write to ask a simple, fundamental question:  When will you put serious bills on the floor to directly address spending and debt?

The Budget Act of 1974 requires the Senate to pass a budget by April 15th, and tomorrow will mark the 11th week that the Senate has failed to meet its responsibility past that date.  When will you put a Senate budget proposal on the floor?

The American people want us to enact meaningful, effective spending caps.  When will you put a spending caps bill on the floor?

We clearly need the enforced discipline of a balanced budget constitutional amendment.  This measure failed by a single vote last time it was debated on the floor of the U.S. Senate.  When will you put a balanced budget amendment on the floor?

We await your response and your leadership.