*2014 Republican Budget
After experiencing severe “regular order” amnesia, it looks like House Republicans have decided to join Democrats in calling on their fearless leaders to follow regular order on the budget. POLITICO notes:
House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer, Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, Assistant Democratic Leader James E. Clyburn, House Democratic Caucus Chairman Xavier Becerra, and House Democratic Caucus Vice Chairman Joe Crowley today sent a letter to Speaker of the House John Boehner calling on the Speaker to appoint House conferees without further delay and follow regular order to reach an agreement on a budget focused on jobs, economic growth, balanced deficit reduction, and a strong, thriving middle class.
“The President’s budget proposal is a serious compromise to reduce deficits in a balanced way.
MESSAGE FROM THE DEMOCRATIC WHIP
This Saturday marks the third anniversary of the Affordable Care Act being signed into law. As we recognize the millions of Americans that are receiving more accessible and affordable care as a result of this law, I am disappointed that Republicans continued their attacks against this law, upheld by the Supreme Court, by repealing it in their budget.
“Once again, Republicans have passed a budget that places the burden of deficit reduction most heavily on the backs of the middle class and those most in need.
“I first want to thank the Ranking Member for the work that he's done on this budget that he offers as an alternative. It is a reasonable alternative that can be implemented. To that extent, a stark difference to the Majority's proposal, which will not be implemented – and they know it.
Today’s editorial in the New York Times makes the point you’ve been hearing from us for a while: Republicans’ problem isn’t their message. But it’s entertaining to watch Republican leaders who still haven’t figured that out. Some highlights (or lowlights, as the case may be):
“I think the American people want us to adopt a common-sense path forward and get us to fiscal sustainability. They understand that we haven't been managing the finances of the country the way we ought to be.
“Americans expect their representatives to craft a budget that reflects our nation’s priorities and challenges, which is what the House Democratic budget released today by Ranking Member Van Hollen does.
MESSAGE FROM THE DEMOCRATIC WHIP
Earlier this week, House Republicans unveiled their budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2014. Unfortunately, their budget contained many of the same disappointments and rejected policies from previous years.