RSC Update: Monday, May 10, 2010

From the Chairman
Traditionally, Congress is expected to agree on a budget for the upcoming fiscal year by April 15. That agreement then sets the parameters for debate on the annual spending bills that will fund the federal government. Yet almost a month after the deadline, Democrats have not just failed to write a budget – they have failed to even decide if they will write a budget. This is an historic abdication of their governing responsibilities by House Democrats. In the 36 years since the current budgeting process was adopted, not once has the House of Representatives ever failed to vote on a budget resolution.

Of course, this is the same Democrat-controlled Congress responsible for (what at the end of this fiscal year will be) the three largest deficits in American history. And even if they don’t produce a budget, House Democrats still plan to pass spending bills big enough to create another trillion dollar deficit next year. This time, they just won’t bother to plan it out beforehand.

Such irresponsibility must end. That means more than just writing a budget; it means writing a balanced budget. The RSC did precisely that last year, and we’ll do it again this year. All it takes is a determination to get America off the path to fiscal ruin and a willingness to make tough choices. In other words, it takes leadership.

Sincerely,

Congressman Tom Price
Chairman, Republican Study Committee

RSC Media Activity – Republican Study Committee members work hard to ensure that the conservative viewpoint is well-represented in all corners of the media. Visit our Media Center for more.
· Rep. Mike Coffman (CO-06): Border Policies Continue to Jeopardize National Security; Daily Caller, May 5.

· Reps. Scott Garrett (NJ-05) and Parker Griffith (AL-05): The Dodd Bill Is Bad for Taxpayers; National Review, May 5.

· Rep. Rob Bishop (UT-01): The Case for Federalism - The Founders’ Forgotten Formula for Freedom; National Review, May 9.

· Reps. Mike Pence (IN-06) and Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05): We’re Bailing Out Greece; NY Post, May 9.

Outlook – Here is a preview of upcoming Democrat proposals to advance their big-government, anti-taxpayer agenda.
· The House will take up H.R. 5116, an $86 billion expansion and reauthorization of the 2007 America COMPETES Act (which increased federal involvement in funding math and science education). The bill would authorize a 31% increase in spending compared to the currently authorized levels and would also create at least seven new programs.

· While the Senate’s primary focus will remain the Democrats’ permanent bailout bill, they will also reportedly unveil their National Energy Tax legislation this week.

House Floor Activity – The following key legislation came through the House of Representatives last week.
· The House passed H.R. 5019, also known as “Cash for Caulkers,” which would spend $6.6 billion to subsidize home energy efficiency and “weatherization” projects. The Democrats’ stimulus package already included $4.7 billion for similar programs, $3.7 million of which was used to “weatherize” just 47 homes in Texas.