Rep. Nadler Statement on Vote Against Senate Budget Deal Jerrold Nadler (D-NY, 10th) February 9, 2018
"Early this morning, I voted no on the short term spending bill and the budget deal because Speaker Ryan failed to make a sufficient commitment to bring up a bipartisan bill to protect Dreamers from deportation. The bill Congress passed a few hours ago included several Democratic priorities about which I care deeply, including parity in lifting the budget caps and an extension of the debt limit, funding for Community Health Centers and CHIP, and long overdue disaster aid for Puerto Rico and others.
Neal, Pascrell Introduce Bipartisan Tariff Relief Legislation to Support American Workers and U.S. Economic Competitiveness Richard E. Neal (D-MA, 1st) February 8, 2018
Ways and Means Ranking Member Richard Neal (D-MA) and Trade Subcommittee Ranking Member Bill Pascrell (D-NJ) introduced H.R. 4979, bipartisan legislation that renews the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program for three years. The United States’ oldest and largest trade preference program, GSP provides targeted tariff relief while supporting American workers and businesses.
Newhouse Statement on No Vote for Budget Package Dan Newhouse (R WA, 4th) February 8, 2018
“The legislation that was agreed to in the House and the Senate essentially writes a blank check to enable the federal government to continue to accumulate debt. I have been a vocal proponent of addressing the federal government’s out-of-control spending, and as the former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff warned, our growing debt is the greatest threat to our national security. We must find ways to rein in our national debt,” said Rep. Newhouse. “The people of the 4th Congressional District demand better and expect their representatives to promote fiscal responsibility, not advance policies that borrow over $1 million a minute.
Noem: Know Your Heart Kristi Noem (R-South Dakota) February 9, 2018
Never underestimate the power of your story. Earlier this year, Aletha Maki visited our Washington, D.C., office from Rapid City. Her granddaughter had been diagnosed with high cholesterol at age two, a condition brought on, the family learned, by a genetic disorder called familial hypercholesterolemia (or FH). Once diagnosed, the disease is manageable. But 90 percent of those with FH are unaware, and therefore, go untreated.
Senate passes $90 billion disaster aid package Senator Bill Nelson (D - FL) February 9, 2018
The U.S. Senate today approved a massive two-year government spending bill that includes, among other things, $89.3 billion in disaster assistance to help areas, such as Florida and Puerto Rico, recover from the devastating 2017 hurricanes.
Here are some news items from the press release pile at The Ponder News:
Concerned with Pervasive Sexual Harassment in Industries Outside the Spotlight, Senator Murray Requests Information from Trade Associations in Industries with Millions of Workers Senator Patty Murray (D - WA)
U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), ranking Democrat on the Senate health committee, sent letters to 12 trade associations requesting information on harassment statistics. These associations represent the industries with some of the highest rates of sexual harassment reporting to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). As many people are coming forward and sharing their stories of sexual harassment and assault in the workplace, Senator Murray is working to ensure every woman and man, no matter where they work, or how much money they make, has a workplace free from harassment. Read more...
The House and Senate agreed to a deal to lift budget caps on defense and domestic spending and fund the government until March 23, 2018. This legislation also includes emergency funding for disasters caused by hurricanes and wildfires.
Highlights of the budget deal:
Continuing Resolution until March 23, 2018 to keep the government funded and provide the necessary time for the FY18 Appropriations bills to conform with new discretionary totals.
Reverses the defense sequester and increases total defense funding to match with FY18 NDAA levels and the Administration’s request for FY19.
Increases non-defense levels and targets funding for priorities like the National Institute of Health, combating the opioid epidemic, and infrastructure improvements.
Advances emergency disaster relief funding that was previously approved by the House but stuck in the Senate – including funding for California wildfire recovery efforts.
Provides an extension of the debt limit through 2018.
Extends the Community Health Centers and Teaching Health Centers programs for 2 years.
Helps America’s veterans by reducing the maintenance backlog at the Veterans Administration.
Includes a $20 billion investment in America’s infrastructure.
Includes Citrus, Dairy, and Cotton fixes that clear a pathway for the Farm Bill.
Eliminates the caps on crop insurance policies for livestock producers
Establishes a bipartisan budget process reform committee to evaluate and fix our broken budget process.
Doug LaMalfa (R-CA, 1st)
“I’m very concerned by the government’s reckless spending, but I’m not willing to allow a prolonged shutdown to occur. There are many provisions in this bill that are very worthy of our investment. At our recent retreat, Secretary Mattis conveyed the gravity of the funding crisis our military faces after eight years of neglect. I’m happy that our armed forces and national defense will now be properly funded for the first time in recent memory. We’re also extending important health care programs, like Community Health Centers and Teaching Health Centers, which are critical to rural California. It’s past time to get wildfire victims some assistance, and this legislation finally advances disaster relief funding that’s been stuck in the Senate for months. Finally, this agreement paves the way for Congress to work on strengthening our southern border and addressing other pressing immigration concerns. I don’t like the Senate’s process and I don’t like the price tag, but this bipartisan compromise is the best option available under these circumstances.”
Doug Lamborn (R-CO, 5th)
“Our uniformed men and women should not have to worry about whether they will get paid or not as they continue to selflessly put their lives on the line for our country. That’s not to mention the critical role the defense industry Colorado’s Fifth District plays in our national security, including direct support to many critical local missions.”
Leonard Lance (R-NJ, 7th)
“The responsible vote is to keep the government open. I have always opposed governmental shutdowns. The Bipartisan Budget Act is the product of compromise – neither side got everything it wanted. But many critical priorities I have championed were included in the final product, including disaster relief funds, funding for community health centers and meeting Secretary Mattis’ request for Defense Department funding. The package also repeals Obamacare’s Independent Payment Advisory Board, a panel widely opposed by senior citizen advocacy groups. The legislation also finally secures funding for Medicaid in Puerto Rico, a project I have long advocated for alongside Resident Commissioner González-Colón. Low-cost federal health care will now continue for our fellow Americans in Puerto Rico,” said Lance after passage.
Medicaid continues to provide critical health care delivery needs for the citizens of Puerto Rico and the program is under significant financial strain as the Commonwealth recovers from Hurricane Maria. Lance and González-Colón’s teamed up to give Puerto Rico financial certainty to continue providing critical services through the Medicaid program.
Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Greg Walden also acknowledged Lance’s leadership after the vote. “Rep. Lance has been a critical voice as we worked to provide vital Medicaid resources for the people of Puerto Rico. His steadfast commitment to addressing this Medicaid cliff never wavered and relief will soon be on its way.”
Jim Langevin (D-RI, 2nd)
“After months of refusing to negotiate with Democrats, Republicans finally reached across the aisle to develop a bipartisan budget agreement that addresses many important priorities. It lifts stifling budget caps and provides the framework to develop a long-term funding bill that invests in infrastructure projects and supports our military service members, teachers, and law enforcement officers. Communities that were ravaged by hurricanes, floods and wildfires will see much needed relief to rebuild their lives. Community health centers will receive funding so patients have access to quality healthcare. Finally, this bill ensures our nation will not default on its obligations.
“Like all compromises, this bill is not perfect. Because Republicans spent five months kicking the can down the road, we will need to pass additional legislation to fully implement this framework. This agreement also does nothing to reverse the President’s $1.5 trillion tax boondoggle, which means our national debt will continue to grow. The most glaring omission, however, is the lack of protection for the hundreds of thousands of dreamers who will be forced out of the only country they’ve ever known. I’m extremely disappointed that there has been no agreement to let the majority of House members be heard by holding a vote on the Dream Act, and I will continue to call on Speaker Paul Ryan to do so.
“As I’ve said time and again, I look forward to continue working with my Republican colleagues to find real bipartisan solutions to our country’s greatest challenges.”
Rick Larsen (D-WA, 2nd)
“I am voting yes on the budget deal. It tackles important issues facing Washington’s working families such as infrastructure, the opioid crisis and ensuring the next generation has job skills they need to enter the workforce.
“Over the last year at community coffee and town hall events, opioid addiction has emerged as the number one issue people care about. It is easy to see why. More than 3,400 Washingtonians have died from an opioid overdose since 2012. While Snohomish County represents less than ten percent of the state’s population, the county accounted for almost 15 percent of all heroin-related deaths from 2012-2016. This last July, 37 overdoses occurred in the county during one week, ten of which occurred on a single day. There is no excuse for not addressing this issue. The $6 billion provides greater access for folks seeking substance abuse treatment and mental health rehabilitation.
“Since taking office, I have held 63 roundtables with veterans, where I’ve heard about the needs of the 56,000 veterans who live in Washington’s Second District. The budget will improve conditions at Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals and clinics, and provide better access to health care for those living far away from VA facilities, as many geographically-challenged veterans in my district know.
“80,000 homeless patients will still have access to critical health resources through Community Health Centers. Additionally, 5,700 children from Washington state’s Second District will continue to receive comprehensive, high-quality health care through the Children’s Health Insurance Program. Helping these vulnerable communities makes this a budget worth voting for.
“You can’t have a big league economy with little league infrastructure – and last year the United States got a D+ when it comes to infrastructure. If my son in college came home with a D+ in his calculus class, he’d be in big trouble. The $20 billion in the budget will pull this grade up, provide repairs to crumbling roads, bridges and highways, and support transit projects, all while putting folks in Washington state to work.
“If the budget deal passes, over the next several weeks Congress will need to work on the appropriations process. Through this process I will focus on further addressing the opioid epidemic, passing a robust funding bill for aviation-relation construction projects, fixing our broken immigration system and building the next generation workforce so young people have a leg up in an ever-changing global economy.”
Brenda Lawrence (D-MI, 14th)
“The White House, the Senate and the House are Republican-led, and we have now completed the second government shutdown in just one month. This is no way to run a government.
“Our nation is facing great needs on many sides and it is the responsibility of Congress to fund the government so the people receive the much needed support that they are due. While this deal is far from perfect, I’m pleased that bipartisanship was reached on a number of critical programs that Michiganders depend on, including funding for the Children’s Health Insurance Program, Community Health Centers, essential Medicare programs, and foster care services. However, with all the efforts made in the bill, there are still questions left unanswered and our Dreamers simply cannot continue to be left in the cold, unsure of their future and future of their families.
“It is disappointing that the Speaker of the House refused to address the needs of the Dreamers, valued members of the American family, for a vote on the floor. With the March 5th deadline swiftly approaching, Democrats have fought hard to protect Dreamers and fix our broken immigration system. I will continue to fight for the Dreamers and to hold the Republican leadership accountable for their pledge to prioritize our Dreamers so that they can have the answers they deserve.”
Barbara Lee (D-CA 13th)
“Last night, despite controlling the White House, the House and the Senate, Republicans forced the government to shut down for the second time in three weeks. The GOP’s inability to conduct the basic function of government is appalling. Playing politics with the lives of the American people is reckless and irresponsible.
“Budgets and budget agreements are statements of our morals and values as nation. Last night, Congress could have taken a stand for community health centers, disaster relief, and DREAMers to show that America is still the land of opportunity and aide for all. Instead, this deal prioritized excessive defense spending and gave no assurances that the 800,000 undocumented youth currently living in fear would be protected. I could not in good conscience vote for this agreement. We promised these young people that we would fight for them. The time for talk is over, we simply must pass the Dream Act now.”
Jason Lewis (R-MN, 2nd)
“I ran for Congress to get the economy going again by reducing taxes, regulations, deficits and debt. A $300 billion increase in discretionary spending along with hiking the debt ceiling fails on all accounts. There is not a department or agency in the federal government that can’t tighten its belt- no serious observer believes otherwise.
“As I’ve said so many times, the way to get our fiscal house in order is real ‘shared sacrifice’, where everyone has skin in the game when it comes to budget restraint. Instead, we get more of the same DC spending profligacy- ‘I’ll increase your budget if you increase mine’. We should all remember the words of former Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Admiral Michael Mullen who famously said, ‘the most significant threat to our national security is our debt.’
“Congress needs to listen.”
Michelle Grisham Lujan (D-NM, 1st)
“We certainly have a need for many important investments outlined in the bill. However, for every problem this bill solves, it creates two more and others still remain completely unaddressed. This will be the fifth continuing resolution in a row, Speaker Ryan still refuses to initiate a fair, bi-partisan process for fixing DACA, and because of the Republican tax scam, this budget blows a massive trillion dollar hole into the national debt.
“It is clear the American people on every side of the political spectrum have lost their trust and faith in Congress. If Congress continues to fail to fulfill its most basic responsibilities and work in a bi-partisan manner, how can it possibly address complex, long-term problems like the opioid crisis, climate change, immigration, poverty, the national debt, or fix our aging infrastructure? Nobody seems to be steering the wheel of the United States of America and that is leading to chaos, instability, and suffering.
“I have worked with Democrats, Republicans, senators and even the White House. We have reached important compromises to fix the DACA program, but have gotten no commitment from Speaker Ryan that our bipartisan legislation will get a debate and the vote it deserves.
“This is yet another example of how Speaker Ryan feels accountable to the most extreme anti-immigration members of his caucus.
“I cannot vote for temporary agreements that depend on empty promises of compromise down the road.
“Again, I call on Speaker Ryan and the Republican leadership to work in a productive bipartisan fashion to pass a long-term spending bill that addresses America’s most pressing issues. We can’t afford to continue letting the far-right extremists lead our government from crisis to crisis.”
Senator James Lankford (R-OK)
“This budget deal shows the American people exactly how broken our budget and appropriations process is. It does not address our runaway deficits and actually takes major steps backwards in the fight to rein in Washington’s overspending appetite. Our budget process has only worked correctly four times since 1974. We desperately need budget reform. I’m ashamed that we have passed five continuing resolutions since the end of last Fiscal Year in September. This is no way to govern.
“Today’s passage of the budget deal will do some things that should astonish all Americans. Here are just a few. First, it extends the debt ceiling until March 2019, with no reforms and no change in financial direction. Second, it removes critical spending controls that were put in place back in 2011 that were designed to keep our yearly spending in check and not allow deficit spending to grow by more than $150 billion in a year. And third, it extends several special interest tax breaks to everything from Puerto Rican rum, to Hollywood studios, to racehorses.
“While I strongly support the budgetary certainty and increased military funding that this bill provides, the long-term negative consequences of the bill are too many. The prevailing theme of debt ceiling negotiations is usually avoiding default, but lost in the conversation is how we got here in the first place, and how we can get out of the cycle of deficit spending. We must address our debt and deficit through cuts to wasteful spending, government reform, and a growing economy. Unfortunately, this bill fails to do any of those things.”
Senator John McCain (R - AZ)
“This budget deal finally makes good on our promise to provide for the men and women who so faithfully serve our nation in uniform. It lays the groundwork for appropriating the funding level authorized in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 and provides real growth in fiscal year 2019. Now the Defense Department will have the budget certainty it needs to begin the process of rebuilding the military, restoring readiness, and modernizing our forces—all of which are required to maintain America’s military edge over our adversaries in the era of renewed great power competition outlined in the new National Defense Strategy.”
Kenny Marchant (R-TX, 24th)
“This important budget agreement delivers on the promise to rebuild our military, provides disaster relief to Texas communities devastated by Hurricane Harvey, improves Medicare for Texas seniors, cuts government red tape for health care providers and repeals harmful Obamacare IPAB provisions.
“After the disastrous reductions in national security funding under the Obama Administration, we are finally equipping our armed forces with the tools needed to protect and defend our country. Along with providing for our troops, this legislation also has critical disaster relief funding for Texans whose homes and livelihoods have been crippled by Hurricane Harvey.
“This agreement included provisions to repeal Obamacare’s ‘death panels,’ known as IPAB, and incorporated legislation I introduced to improve Medicare and untangle health care providers from overregulated paperwork. By cutting government red tape and strengthening the relationship between patients and doctors, these commonsense reforms allow doctors to get back to doing what they do best – serving, treating, and healing our constituents.”
Tom Marino (R-PA, 10th)
“Today I voted to keep the federal government open and provide certainty to our military servicemembers and their families. This bill will bring the branches of our armed forces into the 21st Century and give our troops the best equipment available in their efforts to protect our freedoms. While many of my colleagues chose to vote ‘no’ on this bill, I believe that our servicemembers deserve all of the support we can provide.
“My vote was spurred by Defense Secretary James Mattis’ assessment that the U.S. military faces ‘security vulnerabilities’ because of Congress’s inability to provide long-term funding to our troops and that ‘Today’s congressional action will ensure our military can defend our way of life, preserve the promise of prosperity, and pass on the freedoms you and I enjoy to the next generation.’”. Without a solution, the military would ‘not recruit the 15,000 Army soldiers and 4,000 Air Force airmen required to fill critical manning shortages.’
“As President Reagan said, the United States must provide peace through strength. This bill will help accomplish that pursuit.”
Roger Marshall (R-KS, 1st)
“Today we delivered on our promise to our men and women in uniform, I am proud that this bill finally fully funds our military. This bipartisan budget also addressed disaster relief and recognized the severe natural disasters that Kansas faced this year. Specifically including two bills introduced by Senator Moran and myself that retroactively fix payment limits for livestock producers impacted by wildfires and blizzards. This budget agreement is far from the perfect bill but after reviewing it, I truly believe this deal has wins for Kansans.
While I continue to have concerns about our national debt and the broken federal budget process, I am pleased that we have reached a two-year budget agreement that puts an end to the vicious cycle of continuing resolutions. In the last decade the federal government has operated under a continuing resolution for a third of the time and has added more than $10 trillion to our national debt. Neither of those is sustainable or responsible. To stop this type of status quo spending, the agreement also establishes a bipartisan committee dedicated to evaluating and fixing our broken budget process.”
Washington, D.C. - December 7, 2017 - (The Ponder News) -- The House voted on preventing a government shutdown on Thursday. Some House Representatives had something to say about it, though:
Bill Foster (D-IL, 11th)
This resolution is yet another last minute stopgap measure that fails to provide solutions that hardworking Americans need from the people who represent them. We still have a long list of priorities to resolve. Congress has not voted on the DREAM Act to allow individuals who were brought to the United States through no fault of their own to stay in the country. We need to provide funding to combat the opioid and heroin crisis, and we need to stabilize health care marketplaces so that premiums do not skyrocket. We also need an immediate reauthorization of Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) funding for the millions of children who rely on the program for health insurance, including nearly 326,000 children in Illinois. I am disappointed we did not use the last two months of the previous continuing resolution to find solutions to these issues and represent the interests of hardworking Americans. Rather than engaging in serious bipartisan discussions, Republicans worked behind closed doors on their tax plan that would harm the middle class and pass on debt to the next generation, and they tried yet again to repeal the Affordable Care Act, a move that would take away health care from millions of Americans. The public deserves better.
Gene Green (D-TX, 29th)
"Mr. Speaker, I rise to urge my colleagues to act and pass much needed supplemental appropriations to help victims of the recent hurricanes in Texas, Florida, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Hurricane Harvey brought unprecedented destruction to the Texas Gulf Coast, dropping a record 52 inches of rain and causing catastrophic flooding in Houston and all along the Gulf Coast.
Earlier this week, a report released by the Kaiser Family Foundation and Episcopal Health Foundation found that one in nine Texas Gulf Coast residents remain displaced, three months after Harvey’s landfall. Four in ten Texas Gulf Coast residents report sustained damage to their homes and nearly half of affected Texas Gulf Coast residents said they are not receiving the help they need to recover from the hurricane.
To date the federal government has provided $10 billion in aid to Harvey victims in Texas, mostly advance payments through the National Flood Insurance Program. However, far more federal aid is needed to rebuild Houston, Harris County, and the Texas Gulf Coast.
After Hurricane Katrina hit Louisiana and Mississippi, and Hurricane Sandy impacted New York and New Jersey, Congress responded by passing substantial disaster supplemental bills. In 2013, Congress provided over $50 billion for recovery and rebuilding efforts as a result of Sandy, and $120 billion to rebuild New Orleans and surrounding areas.
I cannot and will not vote for a continuing resolution until House leadership puts disaster relief front and center and passes a substantial supplemental disaster bill that will help Texans fully recover from Harvey’s destruction and prepare the Texas Gulf Coast before the next major storm strikes.
We cannot continue to kick-the-can down the road while thousands of families in Texas and other parts of our country continue to suffer, months after these terrible storms made landfall.
I urge my colleagues, regardless of state and party, to join me in standing up for disaster victims and calling on House leadership to pass a substantial emergency supplemental.
Vicky Hartzler (R-MO, 4th)
“The measure we passed today is only a temporary solution. My hope is that we can use this two-week extension to focus on finishing tax reform for the American people, then reach a long-term deal to increase funding for our men and women in uniform. A continuing resolution that extends through next year would be devastating for our Armed Forces and is unacceptable. This year alone, 77 U.S. service members have been killed in readiness related accidents — we must invest in our forces now so that we’re equipped to effectively respond to and deter our enemies in the future.”
French Hill (R-AR, 2nd)
“We’ve already done our job in the House by passing all twelve government funding bills this year, but the Senate hasn’t done their job by passing any of them. In addition to these twelve funding bills, the House has also successfully passed reforms to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and reauthorized the critically important funding for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
“I have said it many times and I will say it again, Continuing Resolutions are no way to govern. They particularly punish our men and women in uniform who are actively engaged around the world protecting America’s interests. We must ensure our military, federal agencies, and other key government entities have the resources they need to fulfill their duties and serve hardworking Arkansans and Americans.”
Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD, 5th)
“Congress should be able to get its work done on time. While I am glad that Republicans in Congress did not shut down the government, it is inexcusable that Republicans have spent the past three months working on a bill to cut taxes for the wealthiest individuals instead of working with Democrats to responsibly fund the government.
“It is disappointing that we need another continuing resolution to fund the government – a result of Republicans wasting time on a bill that would raise taxes on thousands of families in Maryland and add $1.7 trillion to the national debt. Enough is enough – I urge my Republican colleagues to work in a bipartisan manner to fund the government and address the most pressing issues facing our nation, including passing the DREAM Act and reauthorizing the Children’s Health Insurance Program.”
Lynn Jenkins (R-KS, 2nd)
“I have often said that we need to stop kicking the fiscal can down the road, and enact broader spending reforms to the budget while Republicans control the House, Senate and the White House. It is my hope, that in these next two weeks, we can come together and get our budget on the right fiscal track while funding necessary programs. This Continuing Resolution also includes funding for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) through the end of the year. While it is absolutely crucial this program be reauthorized on a more long-term basis in the near future, I want to be clear that no Kansas children who rely on CHIP are currently without health insurance coverage or are in imminent threat of losing it. The Kansas program has funds that will last well into 2018 and while it is absolutely crucial this program be reauthorized on a more long-term basis in the near future, I am confident Congress will do their job. As we near the end of 2017, I urge my colleagues to consider the importance of both fiscal stability and fiscal responsibility which, combined together, will have a positive impact on future generations.”
Alexandria, VA - October 30, 2017 - (The Ponder News) -- National education groups representing superintendents, school boards, school business professionals, rural schools and communities, and educational service agencies issued the following statement in response to President Trump’s proposed elimination of the State and Local Tax Deduction (SALT).
“We believe any comprehensive tax reform must preserve the state and local tax (SALT) deduction as a matter of national priority. The SALT revenue is invested in local communities to fund vital needs including infrastructure, public safety, homeownership and public schools, which educate almost 90 percent of students in our country. Representing public education leaders entrusted with the important responsibility for educating students, we are deeply committed to ensuring students get the best possible education and support. Eliminating the SALT deduction endangers public education and our students’ future.
“State and local tax deductions ensure a stable local tax base that public schools rely on to educate students and provide needed services, such as health care and related needs. The current proposal to eliminate the SALT deduction as part of broader tax reform would cripple this ability and damage state and local economies.
“Policymakers can support tax reform and preserve this deduction. For the sake of our nation’s students and their future, we urge Congress to preserve and protect the SALT deduction.”
In alphabetical order, representatives from the national organizations included:
AASA, The School Superintendents Association
Daniel A. Domenech, Executive Director
Association of Educational Service Agencies
Joan Wade, Executive Director
Association of School Business Officials, International
John Musso, Executive Director
National Rural Education Association
Allen Pratt, Executive Director
National School Boards Association
Thomas Gentzel, Executive Director and CEO
Washington, D.C. - October 28, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- The Concord Coalition said that fiscal policy has taken a very negative turn with adoption of the 2018 congressional budget resolution explicitly calling for deficit-financed tax cuts.
“In the face of a debt burden higher than at any time since the end of World War II and with annual deficits already projected to rise in the coming decades as retirement and health care spending steadily mounts with the long-foreseen aging of the population, President Trump and Republican congressional leaders are placing a huge bet that we can borrow our way to prosperity,” said Robert L. Bixby, Concord’s executive director. “Their enthusiastic embrace of a $1.5 trillion deficit-financed tax cut is risky business and deeply disappointing.”
The main purpose of any budget should be to set priorities and make the necessary trade-offs. This budget, which the House approved today, fails that test. Its main purpose is to cut taxes, not to make hard choices and cut the deficit.
If Republican leaders had wanted to cut the deficit while cutting taxes in a more responsible way they could have adopted the approach taken earlier by the House, which called for deficit-neutral tax reform and $200 billion of enforceable spending cuts. The Senate, however, removed these two provisions. What’s left is a combination of enforceable tax cuts, phantom spending cuts and an unrealistically rosy economic scenario.
“While justified by some as a way to grow the economy, the long-term effect of deficit-financed tax cuts would likely be to slow economic growth and make a bad long-term fiscal outlook even worse,” Bixby said.
There is still time, however, for elected officials to chart a more responsible path. The budget resolution is simply a blueprint. It is not legislation. As Congress and President Trump now begin to write a tax reform bill, The Concord Coalition urges them not to base their plan on the unlikely proposition that large tax cuts will pay for themselves.
Washington, D.C. - October 28, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- American Action Network’s Middle-Class Growth Initiative (MCGI), was launched in August to advocate for the passage of meaningful tax reform legislation. The multi-pronged effort, now totaling $14 million, includes advertising on television, radio, direct mail, and mobile billboards in over 50 congressional districts nationwide.
American Action Network (@AAN) Executive Director Corry Bliss released the following statement following the passage of the FY 2018 Budget Resolution:
“There is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to make meaningful pro-growth tax reform a reality for hardworking Americans across the country. Thanks to the leadership in Congress, the vote to approve the budget resolution today was a vote to move tax reform forward. Now, it’s time for Congress to get to work, advance tax reform legislation, and give middle-class families the pay raise they deserve.”
Council for Citizens Against Government Waste (CCAGW) President Tom Schatz released the following statement:
“We applaud the House for clearing the way for tax reform by passing the Senate’s budget resolution. This action, as advocated by CCAGW and other taxpayer watchdogs, saves critical legislative time that will now be devoted to achieving the most groundbreaking tax reform in a generation.
“Taxpayers have toiled under a broken tax system for more than three decades. They should not have to wait one more day for Congress to act. The time has come to make the tax code pro-growth, pro-taxpayer, and pro-American.”
The Council for Citizens Against Government Waste is the lobbying arm of Citizens Against Government Waste, the nation’s largest nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating waste, fraud, abuse, and mismanagement in government.
National education groups representing superintendents, school boards, school business professionals, rural schools and communities, and educational service agencies issued the following statement in response to President Trump’s proposed elimination of the State and Local Tax Deduction (SALT).
“We believe any comprehensive tax reform must preserve the state and local tax (SALT) deduction as a matter of national priority. The SALT revenue is invested in local communities to fund vital needs including infrastructure, public safety, homeownership and public schools, which educate almost 90 percent of students in our country. Representing public education leaders entrusted with the important responsibility for educating students, we are deeply committed to ensuring students get the best possible education and support. Eliminating the SALT deduction endangers public education and our students’ future.
“State and local tax deductions ensure a stable local tax base that public schools rely on to educate students and provide needed services, such as health care and related needs. The current proposal to eliminate the SALT deduction as part of broader tax reform would cripple this ability and damage state and local economies.
On October 5, 2017, the House passed the Building A Better America Budget.
On October 19, 2017, the Senate approved their version of the FY 2018 Budget Resolution.
This concurrence by the House with Senate amendments to H.Con.Res. 71 unlocked the reconciliation process that allows Congress to enact tax reform legislation without threat of the filibuster in the Senate. For more on the FY 2018 Budget, click HERE.
Barbara Lee (D-CA 13th)
Once again, Republicans proved they have no concern for everyday Americans and families struggling to make ends meet. At its heart, the federal budget is a moral document that spells out the principles and priorities of a nation. The Republican budget is nothing more than a morally bankrupt Trojan horse that steals healthcare from children and rips food from the hungry just to fast track massive-tax cuts to millionaires and billionaires.
In nearly two decades of service, I have never witnessed such an un-American budget pass through the House of Representatives. Their budget cuts $1.3 trillion from Medicaid and $500 billion from Medicare. It takes an ax to education, research, and job training programs while increasing the national deficit by more than $1 trillion. What’s worse is that this cruel budget is Robin Hood in reverse. As it devastates families across the country, it showers tax cuts on the rich and powerful.
Any changes to our nation’s tax code will impact millions of Americans – Republicans are using this sham of a budget to try and rush massive tax giveaways past the American people. Today’s vote was simply disgraceful. I reject this sinister budget and remain committed to fighting for a federal budget that lifts Americans out of poverty and invests in job creation and healthcare. A budget that empowers the American people and moves our country forward.
Jason Lewis (R-MN, 2nd)
“I’m committed to delivering a tax cut for families in Minnesota’s 2nd District.
“As a member of the House Budget Committee, I’ve been working hard to get us to the point where the formal tax reform process can start for the first time in over 30 years. Hardworking Minnesota families can’t wait any longer for relief from the broken tax code.
“Today’s passage of the Budget puts us on a path to lower taxes on middle-class families and small businesses, a simplified filing system where you can complete your return on a postcard, and a more competitive business rate to encourage American companies to create jobs in our communities here at home. I’m proud to have supported tax reform by voting for the Budget today.”
Tom McClintock (R-CA, 4th)
The budget resolution sets the spending architecture for the fiscal year. The House version provided for $200 billion of enforceable mandatory spending reductions over ten years and balanced within the decade.
The Senate amendments gut these provisions, squandering the one opportunity Congress has each year to bring mandatory spending under control -- taking us another year closer to a sovereign debt crisis. This is tragic and I condemn it in the strongest terms.
Betty McCollum (D-MN, 4th)
“House Republicans’ budget reflects their priorities: it fast tracks lavish tax breaks for billionaires and big corporations, slashes health care for families, guts investments in America’s future, and forces working families to pay for it all.
“Minnesotans should understand exactly what this budget vote means: it will allow expedited action on the Trump-Ryan-McConnell tax plan, which gives the top 1 percent of wealthy Americans 80 percent of the benefits. By eliminating the state and local tax deduction that helps middle class Minnesotans, it actually raises taxes on working families in our state.
“Make no mistake: every Republican who voted for the budget today voted to raise taxes on working Minnesotans to fund a giveaway to the wealthiest Americans.”
A. Donald McEachin (D VA, 4th)
“Today, I reiterate my firm belief that legislative budgets are moral documents outlining our principles, values and goals. Congressional Republicans put forward a budget that slashes billions of dollars from the services that hardworking Americans depend on most. The budget heading to the President’s desk is one that values the wealthiest Americans over meeting the basic needs of hardworking families.
“Republicans will follow this disgraceful bill with their so-called ‘tax reform’ plan that will once again demonstrate their priority of protecting and enhancing the already wealthy. This billionaires-first tax plan will be rammed through precipitously, adding $1.5 trillion to the deficit. Apparently, deficits don't matter anymore.
“Rather, we should be prioritizing bills that will support children and working families such as CHIP reauthorization, or my Pollution Transparency Act. I urge my colleagues to take the time needed and to carefully consider legislation that gives the American people what they really want – better jobs, better wages, high-quality education, and affordable healthcare.”
Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA, 5th)
“We are unlocking our historic opportunity to unleash everyone’s potential through comprehensive tax reform,” said McMorris Rodgers. “A fair, simple tax code is how we help lift up those who are left behind. America was built on freedom, opportunity, and hard work, and it’s time our tax code reflected those principles.”
Grace Meng (D-NY, 6th)
“Today I voted no on the immoral GOP budget resolution that serves to advance a crushing tax plan particularly harmful to New Yorkers because it includes elimination of the State & Local Tax Deduction. Thirty percent of the households in my district rely on this critical deduction to get back an average of $11,000 per year.
The budget resolution would jeopardize the health care of seniors, children, the disabled, and veterans. It disinvests in our future by slashing funding for education, infrastructure, and medical research. It cuts Medicare by $473 billion, Medicaid by $1 trillion, infrastructure spending by almost $200 billion, and Pell Grants by more than $100 billion, all while increasing the deficit by $1.5 trillion through tax cut proposals to provide a break to the wealthiest on the backs of hardworking American families.
My constituents, and indeed all Americans, deserve a better deal.”
Paul Mitchell (R MI, 10th)
“Today, we passed a budget that is the next step toward enacting pro-growth, pro-worker tax reform. Our tax plan focuses on families living paycheck to paycheck; it’s projected to increase wages by $4,000 on average, create new jobs, and allow workers to keep more of their own money. We are now well on the way to realizing tax reform that will bring bigger paychecks, growing businesses, and a stronger economy.”
Gwen Moore (D-WI, 4th)
“Much like their efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act, the Republican budget resolution was drafted in secrecy, denounced by both sides of the aisle, and rife with massive tax cuts for powerful corporations. Despite condemnation by those in their own party, Republicans narrowly passed what can only be described as a reckless and dangerous bill that will reshape our economy and deal an immense blow to critical services like Medicaid and Medicare.
“In passing this spiteful resolution, the GOP once again turned its back on a group of Americans too often overlooked in the halls of Congress: the single, working-class mother. With her in mind, I forcefully voted against this bill as the trillions of dollars in tax cuts for the wealthy will come at the expense of the very programs that help her escape poverty. Threatening essential health programs for the most vulnerable as a means to satisfy President Trump’s wild campaign promises reflects nothing but contempt for women who are simply trying to provide for their families.
“Our shared failure to invest in these women with robust contributions to health services, child care, and vocational training cannot be understated. Such indifference and neglect while simultaneously burdening them with soaring taxes demands nothing less than our collective indignation. If single, working-class mothers are truly the canaries in the coal mine when it comes to the well-being of our country, all of us have cause for concern.”
Jason Lewis (R-MN, 2nd)
“I’m committed to delivering a tax cut for families in Minnesota’s 2nd District.
“As a member of the House Budget Committee, I’ve been working hard to get us to the point where the formal tax reform process can start for the first time in over 30 years. Hardworking Minnesota families can’t wait any longer for relief from the broken tax code.
“Today’s passage of the Budget puts us on a path to lower taxes on middle-class families and small businesses, a simplified filing system where you can complete your return on a postcard, and a more competitive business rate to encourage American companies to create jobs in our communities here at home. I’m proud to have supported tax reform by voting for the Budget today.”
Washington, D.C. - October 27, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- The House agreed to the Senate Amendment to H. Con. Res. 71, a concurrent resolution establishing the congressional budget for fiscal year 2018.
The FY18 Budget, H.Con.Res.71:
Contains up to $640 billion in defense discretionary spending
A significant increase to give our military the equipment and training they need to do their jobs effectively
Achieves $5.1 trillion in spending cuts over 10 years and produces a $79 billion surplus by Fiscal Year 2026
Calls for increased accountability at the VA to ensure our veterans get the care they deserve
Promotes job creation
Provides for lowering tax rates on individuals and small businesses in future legislation
Helps reform and improve the sustainability of Medicare and Medicaid to preserve these programs for future generations
Delivers significant resources for border security
Balances in 10 years, and puts our country on track to pay down our current $20 trillion debt
Below are a few statements about the vote:
Barry Loudermilk (R-GA, 11th)
“Today, the House of Representatives today took a critical step in paving the way to achieve major tax reform. Although the Senate stripped key provisions from the 2018 budget the House previously passed, they kept in much of the overall framework to cut taxes for millions of hardworking Americans.
“While I am extremely disappointed with the Senate removing conservative provisions that required Congress to ensure that tax reform does not add to the deficit, reduce mandatory spending by at least $203 billion, and repeal Obama Care, I voted to move forward with this budget because Americans are counting on us reduce their taxes and simplify the tax-filing process.
“I believe that our best days are ahead of us and, by allowing Americans to keep more of their hard earned dollars, they will, in-turn, boost America’s economy. A strong and growing economy, coupled with serious government reforms that restore freedom and reduce the burden on America’s businesses, may once again resurrect the American dream for our children and grandchildren.”
Mia Love (R-UT, 4th)
"Today, the House passed a budget that paves the way for Tax Reform. The Utah Chamber thanked me for this vote, because it's time to update our outdated, complex and onerous tax code. I'm working for a tax code that's pro-economic growth, pro-family and which will allow Utah's middle class to thrive again."
Ben R. Lujan (D-NM, 3rd)
“This is an extreme budget plan that would devastate New Mexico’s economy. It decimates education programs like Pell Grants; slashes food nutrition programs; cuts investments in our infrastructure; and kicks off millions from health care by undermining the ACA, cutting Medicare by$473 billion from Medicare and $1 trillion from Medicaid.
“Even worse, it paves the way for tax cuts that will add up to $1.5 trillion to the national debt to cut taxes for millionaires and billionaires. The Republican tax plan will actually raise taxes on about 104,000 middle class New Mexicans. In short, it prioritizes the rich and powerful at the expense of everybody else.
“We need a truly bi-partisan tax reform process to lower rates for the middle class, simplify the tax code, and ensure the wealthiest pay their fair share.”
Kenny Marchant (R-TX, 24th)
“The key to creating jobs, improving wages and growing salaries at every level of our economy is overhauling our outdated and uncompetitive tax code. Passing this budget clears the way for once-in-a-generation tax relief that touches every sector of our economy.
“We are one step closer to reforming a crippling tax code that hurts American workers and hinders American businesses. Tax reform that impacts everyone unleashes economic growth that leaves no one behind.”
Sean Patrick Maloney (D-NY, 18th)
“This budget is just a Trojan horse to pass a terrible tax bill that’s going to raise taxes on middle class families in the Hudson Valley by eliminating state and local deductions so we can give a big cut to the GOP’s donors and wealthy friends. I can’t vote for a budget that’s going to make it easier to jam through a bad tax bill that’s going to hurt the people I represent.”
Carolyn Maloney (D-NY, 12th)
“Today, House Republicans took the first step toward raising taxes on millions of New York families by passing a budget that allows them to eventually eliminate the deductibility of state and local taxes. According to the Rockefeller Institute, New York sent $48 billion more in taxes to the federal government than it received back in 2015, making us the largest donor state in the nation. If the SALT deduction is eliminated, New Yorkers will be sending even more to the federal government than we get back and we will be double-taxed. That is a slap in the face and punch to the gut that we can’t allow to happen.
“The SALT deduction is the most widely used benefit in the tax code in New York and getting rid of it means New Yorkers will pay an average of $5,300 more in federal income tax. For those that live in the city, taxpayers will see an average increase of $7,100.
“If the SALT deduction is eliminated, it will create tremendous pressure on state and local governments to cut back funding for schools, infrastructure, health, local law enforcement, and first responders and that is simply unacceptable. New Yorkers take care of their own, and we’re proud of it.
“While some are proposing to cap the SALT deduction, that is still problematic because it will put a serious strain on our state’s finances.
“Given the stakes, we’re going to be doing everything we can to make it as painful as possible for Republicans in New York and similar states to vote to end the State and Local Tax Deduction.”
Tom McClintock (R-CA, 4th)
Mr. Speaker:
Unsustainable government spending drives both taxes and debt.
The budget resolution sets the spending architecture for the fiscal year. The House version provided for $200 billion of enforceable mandatory spending reductions over ten years and balanced within the decade.
The Senate amendments gut these provisions, squandering the one opportunity Congress has each year to bring mandatory spending under control -- taking us another year closer to a sovereign debt crisis. This is tragic and I condemn it in the strongest terms.
The Senate has retained just one key provision from the House budget. It makes tax reform possible this year. Tax reform is essential to economic growth, and economic growth is essential to confront our debt.
Many are alarmed that it provides for $1.5 trillion of additional debt – but this is solely due to the Senate’s rules that require tax cuts to be scored ONLY as revenue losses without taking into account economic expansion.
During the Obama years, our economy grew at an average of 1 1/2 percent annually – about half the average rate since World War II. Reagan averaged 3 1/2 percent. Reagan did this by reducing the tax burdens that were crushing our economy. He slashed the top income tax rate from 70 percent to 28 percent --- and income tax receipts nearly doubled because of the economic expansion he unleashed.
Taxes driven by spending are the greatest threat to our economy today and debt driven by spending is the greatest threat to our future. Controlling spending is currently impossible in the Senate. So, it’s obvious that we can’t balance the budget and reduce our debt without significantly increasing economic growth; we can’t increase economic growth without tax relief; and we can’t get tax relief without the provisions in the Senate budget.
Arthur Laffer, architect of the Reagan tax policy, forecasts that the corporate tax reform alone will increase GDP growth at a rate that should generate a temporary bump of 5 percent, settling down to an average of 2.6 percent over the decade. This alone will add $5 trillion to the American economy and directly increase revenues to all levels of government between 1.8 and two trillion dollars.
We tried a static approach to tax policy during the Obama years. The economy stagnated and the debt doubled.
I remember what it was like in the Reagan era. Wages were rising, opportunities for better jobs were everywhere, there was a sense of optimism that comes with prosperity and abundance. When we abandoned these policies, we lost that prosperity to a decade of despair. I want my kids to know what that sense of relief and optimism was like – what it feels like when morning dawns again in the America economy. This resolution starts that transformation.
Betty McCollum (D-MN, 4th)
“House Republicans’ budget reflects their priorities: it fast tracks lavish tax breaks for billionaires and big corporations, slashes health care for families, guts investments in America’s future, and forces working families to pay for it all.
“Minnesotans should understand exactly what this budget vote means: it will allow expedited action on the Trump-Ryan-McConnell tax plan, which gives the top 1 percent of wealthy Americans 80 percent of the benefits. By eliminating the state and local tax deduction that helps middle class Minnesotans, it actually raises taxes on working families in our state.
“Make no mistake: every Republican who voted for the budget today voted to raise taxes on working Minnesotans to fund a giveaway to the wealthiest Americans.”
A. Donald McEachin (D VA, 4th)
“Today, I reiterate my firm belief that legislative budgets are moral documents outlining our principles, values and goals. Congressional Republicans put forward a budget that slashes billions of dollars from the services that hardworking Americans depend on most. The budget heading to the President’s desk is one that values the wealthiest Americans over meeting the basic needs of hardworking families.
“Republicans will follow this disgraceful bill with their so-called ‘tax reform’ plan that will once again demonstrate their priority of protecting and enhancing the already wealthy. This billionaires-first tax plan will be rammed through precipitously, adding $1.5 trillion to the deficit. Apparently, deficits don't matter anymore.
“Rather, we should be prioritizing bills that will support children and working families such as CHIP reauthorization, or my Pollution Transparency Act. I urge my colleagues to take the time needed and to carefully consider legislation that gives the American people what they really want – better jobs, better wages, high-quality education, and affordable healthcare.”
James McGovern (D-MA, 2nd)
“Today, House Republicans are pushing a job-killing budget so they can use fast-track ‘reconciliation’ procedures to steamroll through their billionaires-first tax plan. We ought to have a budget that helps the millions of Americans who sent us here, not a budget that helps only the well-connected and the well-off.
“What’s particularly astonishing is the blatant hypocrisy of Republican leaders pushing this deficit-busting budget. Republicans are always telling us how much they care about the deficit, but when it comes to giving their beloved tax cuts to their billionaire friends, they suddenly develop a convenient case of amnesia. They say, ‘what deficit?’ ‘Don’t worry, these tax breaks will pay for themselves’ This is absurd.
“In this Republican-controlled Congress, we can now say with certainty that the deficit and debt no longer matter. All the talk by Republicans? They didn’t really mean it. If Republicans really cared about the deficit, they wouldn’t bring a budget as reckless as this to the floor. This shows what they truly believe. Where their values are.
“How many times have Republicans talked about the importance of a balanced budget? Let me spell this out for my Republican friends: This is not a balanced budget. Clearly Republicans desperately need a refresher on basic arithmetic.
“There is absolutely nothing balanced about hitting middle class families and millions of hardworking Americans with cuts while giving billionaires and corporations tax cuts they simply do not need. This is disgusting. This is shameful.
“In all my time in Congress, I have never seen a budget and a tax plan that harms so many just to benefit so few.
Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA, 5th)
“We are unlocking our historic opportunity to unleash everyone’s potential through comprehensive tax reform,” said McMorris Rodgers. “A fair, simple tax code is how we help lift up those who are left behind. America was built on freedom, opportunity, and hard work, and it’s time our tax code reflected those principles.”
Washington, D.C. - October 26, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Congressman Glenn Grothman (R-Glenbeulah) released the following statement about the U.S. Senate’s vote to remove $200 billion in mandatory spending cuts from the budget:
"For eight years, Republicans have promised to reign in out-of-control spending and scale back expanding deficits,” said Grothman. “Now that we’re in control, we have the chance to deliver on these promises. Unfortunately, the Senate budget did not include the $200 billion in mandatory spending cuts that were included in the House budget.
“That is why I today submitted an amendment to the House Rules Committee to include the House-passed $200 billion mandatory spending cuts in the Senate budget. While the amendment was not agreed to, it is something that I will continue fighting for in future budget discussions.”
Mandatory spending is government spending on certain programs, like entitlement programs, that’s required by current law.
The Senate approved a budget plan that removed spending cuts on Thurs., Oct. 19, 2017.
U.S. Rep. Glenn Grothman is serving his second term representing Wisconsin’s 6th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Washington, D.C. - October 24, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- The nation's largest federal employee union, the American Federation of Government Employees, is calling out Rep. Keith Rothfus of Pennsylvania for voting to slash wages for federal law enforcement officers as part of the House budget resolution.
A provision in the 2018 House budget, which passed the House on Oct. 5, would cut at least $32 billion in retirement benefits from federal employees. One of the provisions would eliminate supplemental payments to employees who must retire before Social Security payments kick in at age 62, including law enforcement officers and federal firefighters.
AFGE has posted five digital billboards near the local offices of Rep. Rothfus, who represents Pennsylvania's 12th congressional district in the U.S. House, to raise public awareness of his vote in favor of these cuts. The billboards are located near his offices in Pittsburgh, Johnstown, and Beaver.
"Rep. Rothfus should be ashamed of himself for voting to cut the pay and benefits of federal law enforcement officers and other federal civil servants, many of whom live in his district," said Phil Glover, national vice president for AFGE's 3rd District, which includes Pennsylvania.
The billboards, which will be up for the next four weeks, ask residents to call Rothfus' office at 844-669-5146 and complain about the cuts.
"Cutting the pay and benefits of civil servants who in many cases have risked their lives to protect the public is disgraceful," Glover said. "These cuts would affect tens of thousands of Pennsylvania families who live in the congressman's own district."
There are 30,480 federal employees and retirees in Pennsylvania's 12th congressional district, according to 2014 data from Office of Personnel Management.
In addition to cutting payments for retiring law enforcement officers, the House budget resolution also calls for increasing how much current federal employees pay into their fully funded pension and eliminating the defined pension benefit for new federal workers.
The Senate has passed its own 2018 budget resolution that does not include the cuts to federal employees' pay and benefits.
The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) is the largest federal employee union, representing 700,000 workers in the federal government and the government of the District of Columbia.
Washington, D.C. - October 23, 2017 - (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) on Thursday night voted with the Senate to approve the FY2018 Budget Resolution, which includes a mechanism for the Congress to consider the first major tax reform in decades.
“The passage of a budget resolution moves the FY2018 budget and appropriations process forward. I’m pleased this budget blueprint gives Congress an opportunity to pass comprehensive tax reform. Tax cuts will strengthen our economy by allowing working Americans to keep more of their money, and by easing hardships that the tax code puts on businesses,” Cochran said.
Cochran, chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, continued to push for an overall budget agreement between the Trump administration and Congress in order to facilitate the completion of the FY2018 appropriations process. The Committee has approved all but four of the annual appropriations bills to date.
“To complete this work, a new budget agreement will be necessary so we can responsibly fund our national defense and other priorities. I will continue to work toward that end with my colleagues and with the administration,” Cochran said.
The FY2018 budget resolution passed on a 51-49 vote.
Washington, D.C. - October 23, 2017 - (The Ponder News) -- US Senator Bill Cassidy, MD (R-LA) released a statement on the Passage of the Fiscal Year 2018 Budget in the Senate.
“Pleased the Senate took this key step in moving tax reform forward,” said Dr. Cassidy. “Next step will be working with colleagues on the Finance Committee to produce a bill that gives tax relief to working families and helps accelerate our country's economic growth.”
Washington, D.C. - October 23, 2017 - (The Ponder News) -- “Tonight, the Senate passed a reasonable budget resolution, an essential step towards comprehensive tax reform that will grow our nation’s economy, create jobs and put more money in the pockets of middle-class families. Failure to pass this budget resolution would have doomed our efforts to work with President Trump to deliver tax reform for the American people.
“A vote against the resolution is a vote to stop pro-growth tax reform in its tracks, and continue the economic stagnation that became the new normal during the Obama administration. I am also glad the Senate voted to adopt my amendment to make sure hard-working middle-class Americans are a top priority as we begin our work on tax reform.
“Once the Senate and House budget resolutions are reconciled, we will have an opportunity to deliver responsible tax reform legislation that will lead to more jobs and higher wages in West Virginia and across the country. There is still much work to be done to make tax reform a reality for American families and small businesses, but I am very happy to support this step forward, rather than cut off the path to economic prosperity.”
Yesterday, Senator Capito spoke on the Senate floor to encourage her colleagues to pass the budget resolution, paving the way for a tax overhaul and creating a path to greater prosperity. For a video of her full remarks, click here.
Washington, D.C. - October 20, 2017 - (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin released the following statement on the Fiscal Year 2018 Budget Resolution voted on in the Senate tonight:
“I believe Wisconsin families need a tax break and that's what I'm working for. But this budget resolution paves the way for a partisan tax proposal that favors big corporations and gives a majority of the tax breaks to the wealthiest 1 percent. I just don’t think it’s right to make Wisconsin’s hardworking middle class families pay for it by blowing a hole in the deficit and cutting Medicare and Medicaid.”
Senator Baldwin offered an amendment to prohibit the Republican tax plan to cut taxes for the top 1% and big corporations from increasing the deficit. She also cosponsored additional amendments to the budget resolution: Senator Heitkamp’s amendment to prohibit taxes from being raised on Americans making less than $250,000 a year, Senator Donnelly’s amendment to prevent companies that have outsourced jobs from benefiting from tax breaks and Senator Nelson’s amendment to reverse the $473 billion in cuts to Medicare in the Republican budget.
Washington, D.C. - October 20, 2017 - (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) tonight voted for the fiscal year 2018 budget resolution, which is the first step toward reforming our nation’s tax laws.
“You don’t need to be an accountant to know that our tax code is too complicated, takes too many dollars away from Tennesseans and makes it harder to create good-paying jobs for Tennessee families. The Senate’s passage of a budget resolution provides the tools necessary for tax reform, and I will continue working with President Trump and my colleagues in Congress to create a simpler system that will keep more money in Tennesseans’ pockets and help create and grow jobs for Tennessee families.”
The Senate version of the fiscal year 2018 budget resolution passed by a vote of 51 to 49.
Washington, D.C. - October 16, 2017 - (The Ponder News) -- Eliminating the debt limit has long been a cause of liberal commentators, media elites and Washington insiders. The subject was reportedly broached by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi at a September meeting with President Donald Trump. In addition, three Senate Democrats recently introduced legislation to get rid of the debt limit.
Congressman Walter B. Jones (NC-3) disagrees. This week, Congressman Jones continued his fight to protect the fiscal future of the United States, and introduced H.Res. 564, which reaffirms the importance of retaining the federal debt limit. H.Res. 564 states that “removing limitations on the debt would – (A) inappropriately cede Congress’ constitutional authority; (B) remove a critical check on future increases in deficit spending and the national debt; and (C) potentially exacerbate the already unsustainable fiscal position of the United States, and as a consequence, its national security.”
“Eliminating the debt limit is a very troubling proposition,” said Congressman Jones. “America is over $20 trillion in debt, and running $700 billion annual deficits. We cannot keep spending this way.”
“Article I, Section 8 of our United States Constitution explicitly delegates to Congress the power of the purse, including the power over the debt,” continued Congressman Jones. “The debt limit is a critical tool that Congress can use to check future increases in deficit spending and the national debt. Doing away with it will only enable the big spenders in Washington and hasten America’s bankruptcy.”
The full text of H.Res. 564 is attached. Cosponsors include Congressmen Ted Budd (R-NC), Mark Meadows (R-NC) and Thomas Massie (R-KY).
Congressman Jones has devoted his time in service to sounding the alarm about wasteful spending and the rising debt. He has consistently voted against raising the debt limit and wasteful spending bills. He is the only member of Congress to vote against every bloated budget over the past 13 years. Over that time the national debt has grown nearly $13 trillion, over $1 trillion a year.
Washington, D.C. - October 9, 2017 - (The Ponder News) -- House Budget Committee Chairman Diane Black issued the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.Con.Res. 71, the fiscal year 2018 budget resolution—Building a Better America.
“I am proud that the House supported a budget that reflects responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars and reassures the American people that we are committed to effective governing. It is a plan that achieves balance in 10 years, strengthens our military, promotes economic growth and unlocks pro-growth tax reform. While passage of this budget is just one of several steps toward priorities becoming realities, meaningful and lasting reforms cannot be achieved by skipping steps in the process. Today, I am pleased that members of the House continued doing our part by passing a plan for ensuring a bright and better future for generations to come.
Washington, D.C. - October 5, 2017 - (The Ponder News) -- American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten released the following statement on the passage of the House budget resolution:
“Republicans passed a budget resolution that decimates public education, Medicare and Medicaid to give tax breaks to the rich and corporations. This isn’t a budget; it’s a setup for a massive tax break for those at the top and will further rig our economy against working people while simultaneously hurting kids, seniors and the poor. Today’s budget action is more proof that President Trump and congressional Republicans continue to govern for the powerful at the expense of the vulnerable.
“The underlying tradeoff that runs through this budget—providing massive tax cuts to the wealthy while slashing programs that support the most vulnerable among us—reflects the absolutely wrong priority and puts key K-12 and higher education programs at risk. This is especially evident as we need to invest and rebuild after the recent hurricanes. It is no time to have to cut services to American citizens in Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Texas and Florida to provide a tax cut 80 percent of which will benefit the top 1 percent.
“The AFT will encourage tax reform that improves working people’s lives, makes the tax system fairer and ensures adequate revenues for vital government services.”
Washington, D.C. - October 7, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Chamber of Commerce Senior Vice President and Chief Policy Officer Neil Bradley issued the following statement today after passage of the 2018 budget resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives:
“Passage of the 2018 budget resolution in the House today is an important and consequential first step toward achieving the pro-growth tax reform promised to American business owners, workers, and families. But the work is just beginning. We need the Senate to act quickly and to come together with their colleagues to deliver legislation that unlocks the potential for an overhaul of the tax code that will grow the economy, create jobs, and raise wages.
“As we’ve said before, failure is not an option, and the Chamber will be holding lawmakers accountable to make sure tax reform gets done for the American people.”
