The United States is facing a growing debt crisis, and even if Congress adds no new additional spending programs, the debt threatens to overwhelm the federal budget.

For example, if the cost of social security, medicare and other benefits were all combined, along with interest payments on the national debt, that alone would cost 80 percent of all federal revenues by 2020.

That likely means either new taxes or spending cuts. But so far Congress hasn't shown a willingness to cut federal spending.
    
Columnist Jonathan Krohn, a 14-year-old Tea Party participant, spoke with CBN News about his new book, Defining Conservatism: The Principles That Will Bring Our Country Back. While most 14-year olds don't know the difference between conservative and liberal, Krohn advocates personal responsibility and four main principles of limited government.

Click play for his comments.