Fiscal Responsibility
Over the years, Democrats have shown our commitment to restoring fiscal responsibility by taking actions that have reduced our national deficit while investing in the American people’s priorities. During the 117th Congress, House Democrats delivered the landmark Inflation Reduction Act, which will reduce the deficit by over $300 billion while lowering health care and energy costs and taking action on climate change. In sharp contrast, Republicans jammed their 2017 Trump Tax Scam through Congress without a single hearing, gifting trillions of dollars in unpaid-for tax handouts to the wealthiest Americans and large corporations while leaving our nation with ballooning deficits. They have repeatedly held our economy hostage to benefit their irresponsible ideological agenda, whether creating artificial “fiscal cliffs,” shutting down the government, or bringing our nation to the brink of defaulting on its obligations. With other landmark legislation delivered during the 117th Congress, including the American Rescue Plan, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and the CHIPS and Science Act, Democrats have worked to invest in economic recovery, job creation, all while cutting the deficit in half last year. Democrats are committed to continuing our work to restore sound, long-term fiscal management so future generations can afford to invest in opportunities, secure the American Dream, and ensure workers have the tools to Make It In America.
“Mr. Speaker, what's before us is before us. What's before us is a rule. Not the Mil-Con bill, not Homeland Security. What's before us is the bill. And what does the bill do? It doesn't have an open process. It doesn't allow us an amendment.
It has been 75 days since the House passed a budget, and 73 days since the Senate completed their budget, yet House Republicans still have not appointed conferees to work towards a compromise budget.
“Mr. Speaker, as the sequester's effects continue to place our economy and national security at risk, the news that 650,000 civilian defense workers will be forced to take unpaid leave ought to alarm all Americans who are concerned about our military readiness and national security.
“Thank you, Chairman Grijalva and Chairman Ellison, for holding this hearing about the difficulties faced by those working under federal contracts earning at or less than minimum wage at a time when the cost of living is rising.
Two months have passed since the U.S. House of Representatives passed a budget resolution, yet the House Republican leadership refuses to complete the budget process.
According to S&P, the U.S. continues to be at risk of another credit downgrade. According to the National Journal:
“Today’s Analysis of the President’s 2014 Budget from the Congressional Budget Office confirms that the President’s proposed budget will substantially reduce the deficit and stabilize the debt below the level recommended by the Bowles-Simpson Commission.
“Once again, House Republicans are intent on throwing a wrench into the federal regulatory process by tying the hands of those who prevent fraud and abuse on Wall Street.
“The sequestration is an irrational, stupid policy that's having an adverse effect on our economy and on our national security.
We mentioned last week that a number of Senate Republicans are joining Democrats in calling on the House Republican leadership to continue the budget process by appointing conferees. We’re glad to see the number is growing, according to CQ: