Dueling Approaches

As Democrats Work To Make Taxpayers Take The Hit, Republicans Are Fighting To Force The Government To Balance Its Budget Instead

Republicans Push For A Balanced Budget Amendment
“Republican Senators are set to kick off a media blitz to push a balanced budget amendment, beginning Wednesday in D.C. and building up through their July Fourth recess next week, when Members will flood local papers and airwaves with support.” (“Senate GOP Unifies Over Balanced Budget Message,” Roll Call, 6/28/11)

“All 47 Members of the Republican Conference have united behind the balanced budget amendment, a rare occurrence in a Conference that encompasses moderates such as Olympia Snowe of Maine and tea party darlings like Rand Paul of Kentucky and Mike Lee of Utah.” (“Senate GOP Unifies Over Balanced Budget Message,” Roll Call, 6/28/11)

‘Most Important To Us Democrats, Revenue,’ ‘Tax – You Know – Revenue Increases’
VICE PRESIDENT BIDEN: “If we could agree on the pieces most important to us Democrats, revenue…” (“Senate GOP Keeps High Bar In Debt Talks,” Politico, 6/20/11)

SEN. CHUCK SCHUMER (D-NY): “Make no mistake, there needs to be revenues in any deal.” (Sen. Schumer, Teleconference, 6/24/11)

SCHUMER: “…tax – you know – revenue increase...” (MSNBC’s “Morning Joe,” 4/27/11)

SEN. HARRY REID (D-NV): “I think we have to look at revenues… And I hope that that's what the president will talk about tomorrow.” (Sen. Reid, Press Briefing, 4/12/11)

SEN. TOM HARKIN (D-IA): “…we must act decisively to raise revenues…” (Sen. Harkin, Congressional Record, S.3983-4, 6/22/11)

SEN. BERNIE SANDERS (I-VT): Low taxes “insane” and “immoral.” “Republicans say [revenues are] off of the table. That is an equation that is insane, it’s immoral, and as you’ve just indicated, it is not good economic policy.” (MSNBC, 6/28/11)

SEN. CLAIRE McCASKILL (D-MO): “We also have to look at the revenue side.” (Fox News’ “Hannity,” 6/17/11)

---

Tags: US Senate, republican, democrat, positions, dueling, tax increases, balanced budget, BBA, balanced budget amendment To share or post to your site, click on "Post Link". Please mention / link to the ARRA News Service. Thanks!