Today our nation was shocked by a tragic shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT.  I am deeply saddened by this senseless and unspeakable act of violence, and stand with the American people in extending my sincere condolences to those who lost loved ones today. My thoughts and prayers go out to the victims, families, friends and the entire Newtown community during this difficult time.

Throughout negotiations, the President has failed to show willingness to make serious reductions in federal outlays. It is critical that we make spending cuts today to prevent our nation from continuing to have unsustainable levels of debt and annual deficits. Just before President Obama took office in 2009, White House figures show that the federal budget was $2.9 trillion. Next year’s estimated budget is over $3.8 trillion – a 31% increase in total federal spending in just four years. It is impossible to offset this level of spending by raising taxes.

I will continue to stand up for small businesses and the American people by fighting to protect much-needed jobs from being lost.  In the coming days and weeks, I will continue to update you on the fiscal cliff negotiations.  To get the most up-to-date updates, follow me on Facebook and Twitter.