Steny Hoyer : ‘No’ to a Budget, ‘Yes’ to Middle Class Tax Hikes

It’s clear from the harsh partisan rhetoric that President Obama, his administration and Democratic leaders in both houses have run out of excuses for their broken promises

Uploaded on November 5, 2009 by House GOP Leader © All rights reserved.

Washington (Jun 22) House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH) released the following statement on House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer’s budget speech this morning: “In his speech today, Majority Leader Hoyer admits that House Democrats will not do a budget this year, for the first time in modern history. He also admits that he supports raising taxes on the middle class to pay for more government spending.

“That is the ideology of Washington Democrats: just keep spending taxpayers’ money - with no plan, no discipline, and no accountability. Every American knows that our country is going through tough times. Unemployment is near ten percent nationwide. In my home state of Ohio, it’s even higher. Every American family also knows what Washington Democrats can’t seem to grasp: in tough times it’s more important - not less - to have a budget, to set priorities, and to live within your means.

“As the Obama Administration’s Office of Management and Budget Director flees the rising tide of red ink, it’s time to be honest with the American people. To tell them how much their federal government is spending, how much it owes, and how big a bite it will take out of their paychecks this year and in years to come. Struggling small business owners can’t save, invest, and hire if Washington Democrats won’t even tell them how much they’ll owe in taxes next year.

“Economists have told us a fiscally-responsible budget will help create jobs, and the American people know they’re right. House Republicans have offered better solutions to cut spending now, and impose real spending caps in the future. We know that higher taxes, higher deficits, and more debt are not the answer. That’s why the Majority Leader is dead wrong about the future of this country, and what we need to do - right now - to make sure the American dream is alive and well for our kids and grandkids.”

NOTE: On June 10, a group of more than 100 economists sent a letter saying that failing to offer a budget this year would, “mark a massive missed opportunity to help our economy grow and create private-sector jobs.” House Republican Leader Boehner gave a copy of that letter to President Obama at the White House.

TEXT CREDIT: House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH) H-204 The Capitol Washington, DC 20515 P (202) 225-4000 F (202) 225-5117