08.16.11

Sessions Remarks On Senate Democrats’ Rejection Of House Debt Limit Extension

“If the White House or the Democrat leadership in the Senate had taken the legally required budget process seriously at any point in the last year—if they had presented a single credible plan to cut spending—we wouldn’t be here right now in the 11th hour.”

WASHINGTON—U.S. Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-AL), Ranking Member of the Senate Budget Committee, issued the following comment today after voting against tabling the House-passed Budget Control Act. The motion to table was agreed to:

“I am disappointed that the Democratic majority chose to reject the House legislation to increase the limit on the amount of debt the government can incur. The House, after much soul searching, agreed to a much lower debt-reduction amount than they wanted in order to gain necessary Senate support for final passage. The Senate rejection without any fair consideration is regrettable.

Meanwhile, the Reid plan falsely claims to reduce spending by $2.7 trillion when it only reduces spending by the $1 trillion amount of the Boehner bill. Yet, the Reid plan would seek to raise the debt limit by a record $2.7 trillion, a totally unjustified amount, three times the $900 billion increase passed by the House, and three times the amount of spending that it cuts.

I am also concerned about the dubious special committee. It is a plan that allows Congressional leaders to dictate critical national issues without being subject to full committee process and without amendment. Such actions are a serious evasion of historical Senate procedure. I strongly believe with encouragement from the Leaders that our regular process could produce a better result. If the White House or the Democrat leadership in the Senate had taken the legally required budget process seriously at any point in the last year—if they had presented a single credible plan to cut spending—we wouldn’t be here right now in the 11th hour.

This small spending reduction amount over 10 years is far below what’s needed. Thus, a smaller debt limit raise is required, or far more spending reductions must be found.”

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