Update from Senator Bob Corker
December 2, 2011
Failure of Deficit Reduction Committee a “National Disgrace”
Senator Corker has called the failure of the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction (the “super committee”) to reach an agreement a “national disgrace.”
“On its current course the federal government is projected to spend almost $44 trillion over the next 10 years, and it is nothing short of an embarrassment, an absolute national disgrace and failure of leadership that we cannot agree on even a paltry $1.2 trillion in deficit reduction over that time frame…” Read more: Corker Calls Failure of Deficit Reduction Committee a “National Disgrace”
One-Year Extension of Payroll Tax Cut Undermines Long-Term Tax Reform
On Thursday, Senator Corker voted against both the Republican and Democratic proposals to extend the temporary payroll tax cut for one year, believing the proposals undermine the type of tax reform that leads to long-term economic growth.
“This extension is yet another example of Washington’s benefit now, pay later mentality, and it moves us further away from solving our long-term spending and deficit problems. We need to simplify and flatten our tax code in a way that eliminates loopholes, broadens the base and reduces rates across the board, making it more efficient and conducive to long-term growth. There seems to be a lot of bipartisan consensus around these concepts, but this extension takes us in the opposite direction. It’s not the way to govern a country that has the huge economic, spending and deficit issues we have right now,” said Corker. “In addition, funding Social Security in this manner turns it into a welfare program over time.”
Preventing Further Delay of Keystone Pipeline Decision
On Wednesday, Senator Corker cosponsored legislation to prevent further delay of the Keystone XL pipeline that would take oil from Canada through the U.S. to refineries on the Gulf Coast. The North American Energy Security Act would require the U.S. State Department to issue a permit for the pipeline within 60 days unless the president objects. Earlier this month, the State Department announced it would delay its decision on the project until 2013, prompting Corker to write Foreign Relations Committee Chairman John Kerry and ask for a hearing “in order to assess the full impact of postponement on U.S. industry, energy security, and economic growth.”
In his letter to Chairman Kerry on November 17, Corker wrote:
“With the unemployment rate at 9 percent, I have serious concerns about the impact this deferral may have on job creation. Reports indicate that the pipeline’s construction will create up to 20,000 direct jobs immediately and could create tens of thousands of indirect jobs. Further, it would inhibit U.S. access to 800,000 barrels of Canadian oil daily from a stable and dependable economic partner, reinforcing our dependence on the Middle East and other volatile oil producing countries. Since this decision, it has been reported that Canada is already looking for other markets to sell their oil and once this opportunity to do business with a stable partner is gone, I fear it will be gone forever.” Read more: Corker Cosponsors Bill to End Delay of Keystone Pipeline Decision
Measuring the Effectiveness & Future Status of Aid to Pakistan
Also on Wednesday, Senator Corker was successful in having an amendment added to the Defense Authorization Bill requiring the Department of Defense to report to Congress on the effectiveness and future status of Coalition Support Funds to Pakistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
“On my three visits to Afghanistan, our generals on the ground have continually complained that they are fighting a war in Afghanistan that is being led and directed out of Pakistan. For far too long, Pakistan’s actions have been inconsistent - to say the least - and it’s past time for that to change,” said Corker. “What I’ve proposed is a good government amendment that asks the Pentagon to do two things as it relates to Coalition Support Funds for Pakistan: first, to ensure Pakistan is using the funds to effectively fight the war against the Taliban and other terrorist networks in their own country, and second, that the Pentagon recommends a thoughtful approach to decreasing this financial support to Pakistan as we wind down our operations in Afghanistan.” Read more: Corker Amendment Pushes for Measuring Effectiveness, Future Status of Aid to Pakistan
In the News:
Jackson Sun Editorial: Sen. Bob Corker is more interested in action than applause
“We continue to believe Corker is one of the best informed, thoughtful and pragmatic leaders in Congress.” Read more…
Knoxville News Sentinel: Thanks given to Sen. Corker, staff
“I want to commend Sen. Bob Corker and his office staff in Knoxville for the help they gave to our family.” Read more…
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