Fifty-nine House Democrats have sent a letter to House leadership warning that taking action to reduce the federal debt can no longer wait.

“We can no longer put off addressing our nation’s fiscal crisis, which was created by years of mismanagement and exacerbated by the economic crisis,” said the lawmakers, mostly Blue Dog Democrats.

Democratic leaders and the White House have been pushing for about $200 billion in “emergency” economic stimulus items, but rank-and-file Members have lately revolted and have started to demand offsetting budget cuts or tax increases.

“Extending critical, economic investments is no more important than paying for them,” the letter states.

The letter says that the lawmakers are ready to “take meaningful steps to reduce spending and pay for our priorities now and in the future.”