Lively Congressional debate

The 90-minute debate took place in the wake of a campaign race being called one of the most closely watched congressional races in the country, as Boswell and Latham are pitted against each other because of redistricting.

Both are vying to represent the 3rd Congressional District, which has been Democrat Boswell’s territory in the U.S. House of Representatives for the past 16 years. Meanwhile, Republican Latham has represented the old Iowa 4th District for the past 18 years.

Deficit

Latham made it clear Tuesday evening reducing the national deficit, currently exceeding $16 trillion, is his top priority. He eluded to the mounting debt in his opening and closing statements.

“This huge debt is simply not sustainable,” Latham said. “I have three children and five grandchildren and that debt is putting in jeopardy their American dream. That’s why I am running again.”

Latham said one way to reduce the deficit is a military-reduction plan already in place that would reduce military spending by $437 billion over the next 10 years.

Latham also said “we need better efficiency throughout the federal government.” Latham said he’s already introduced the Less Government Act, which introduces proven, private-sector practices he believes would reduce federal administrative costs by 25 percent.

Boswell said this debt is “real” and agreed with Latham the best way to reduce the federal deficit is by cutting military defense. Boswell said he’s all for a strong defense, but said Congress needs to take a hard look at how much is being spent.

“As a veteran and as a former soldier I believe in a strong military defense,” Boswell said, “but when we realize our Department of Defense costs more than all the rest of the countries in the world, we need to take a hard look at that cost.”

Boswell added he’s in favor of Simpson-Bowles, a bipartisan template expected to reduce the federal deficit by $6.3 trillion over the next 10 years. Simpson-Bowles was voted down in the House in March by a 382-38 vote.