Glenn English: “I think what we have before us, Republicans clearly want to prevent tax increases on middle-class families. I think from…”

“I think what we have before us, Republicans clearly want to prevent tax increases on middle-class families. I think from the debate tonight we have a legitimate question as to whether our friends on the other side are as firmly committed to doing that, unless they also get to raise taxes somewhere else. I found reassuring some of the comments of my friend from Texas who suggested that he might be willing to consider cuts as well in spending. I think everyone here intuitively understands that there is adequate spending, low-priority spending, in the Federal Government, and that certainly that would be one way we can bring down the deficit. In fact, the Republican budget this year contemplates just that kind of fiscal restraint through the process. H.R. 1308 maintains the successful tax policy that has clearly contributed to the economic recovery. The motion to instruct here creates a zero sum game. It extends tax relief with one hand, while potentially raising taxes with the other. If I understand our recent fiscal experience in America, I do not believe that this is a good time for us to be raising taxes on certain sectors. This is bad for the economy, and it is bad for families.”