October 7, 2011

Continuing Resolution

On Tuesday the House passed a Motion to Concur in the Senate amendment to H.R. 2608: the Continuing Appropriations Act of 2012. This measure funds the government for FY 2012 through November 18th while a longer term bill is debated. I voted against this Continuing Resolution (CR) because I see it as another step on the road to chipping away at the society America has built over the last 75 years, since the New Deal — a basic commitment to a safety net for the most vulnerable and opportunity for all. The 1.5% across-the-board cut included in this legislation is part of the Republicans’ long term approach towards slashing many of the government programs that I support, such as fuel assistance for needy families, senior housing and education.

I fully realize and accept that an important component of any serious plan to get our economy back on track must be implementing spending cuts. I have repeatedly stated that I will consider cuts in programs that I care about as long as those programs are not singled out and as long as the deficit reduction considers both sides of the ledger: spending and revenues. The path forced on us considers only one side of the ledger. It completely ignores the revenue side of the equation and does so without setting any priorities for America.

I voted NO because I simply cannot support such a blind march toward the systematic weakening of so many essential programs. I voted NO because this isn’t the final step we will take on this road — more cuts are coming. Soon we will face another $1.5 trillion in cuts. If compromise is not reached, Congress will be forced to accept 10% across-the-board cuts. I am prepared and willing to make tough decisions — my long record in public life is proof of that. But I will do it only if everything is on the table and Congress adopts a plan that relies on more that just gutting every program that is actually making a difference in people’s lives. The entire vote is recorded below:

The EPA

Yesterday the House considered H.R. 2681: the Cement Sector Regulatory Relief Act. This is just one more attempt by the House to weaken the Environmental Protection Agency. H.R. 2681 repeals three rules that relate to air pollution emissions from cement kilns, including performance standards for new plants and rules relating to solid waste regulation. It requires the EPA to develop new rules relating to cement plant emissions and delays the implementation of any rules for five years. I voted NO. H.R. 2681 passed and the entire vote is recorded below:

What’s Up Next Week

At this writing, next week’s schedule had not been released.