Redeeming The Soul Of (“Fiscally Demented”) America

Today, we honor the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by continuing his unfinished work to redeem the soul of America. pic.twitter.com/yJ4rmLyJyt

— President Biden (@POTUS) January 16, 2023

...and kick ass and take names.

Biden calls Republican lawmakers 'fiscally demented' https://t.co/cn2yQV29jQ

— Raw Story (@RawStory) January 16, 2023

He said some of the "very first" legislation proposed by the House Republicans would further enrich the wealthy while adding to the tax burden of the middle class. 

"These guys are fiscally demented," Biden said. "They don't quite get it." 

While Republicans like to portray themselves as fiscally conservative and deride Democrats as the "big-spending party," Biden said the reality was different. 

"I reduced the deficit last year -- $350 billion. And this year, the federal deficit is down one-trillion-plus dollars. Hear me. That's a fact," he said. 

His remarks came in an address at a Washington hotel to an annual gathering honoring Martin Luther King Jr on the holiday that celebrates the late civil rights leader. 

They also came two days after Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said she would have to take "extraordinary measures" to avert a government debt default this week. 

Biden said Friday he would not negotiate with Republicans who threaten to use the debt problem for leverage to demand budget cuts, saying, "It should not be a political football."