Tim Scott: “I rise to oppose this late-night attack on the Constitution. We all know that this initiative will not become law. It is…”

“I rise to oppose this late-night attack on the Constitution. We all know that this initiative will not become law. It is nothing more than a public relations ploy which panders to voters on April 15. Perhaps some will think that the American people on April 15 will forget that the big fat tax cut for the wealthy that was part of the Republican budget was funded by cutting Medicare, education, and environmental protection programs. Mr. Speaker, much has been said tonight about fiscal responsibility. Mr. Speaker, this amendment does nothing to reduce spending. In fact, it continues to allow spending money by majority vote whereas paying the bills will require a two-thirds vote. It does not take a rocket scientist to figure out what will happen to the deficit if this amendment is adopted. Earlier this evening, we heard a list of taxes which would not have been adopted if this amendment had been in effect, but all of the prior spending would have still been adopted. Shamefully, Mr. Speaker, this amendment will also have the effect of requiring a two-thirds vote to eliminate special interest tax breaks and cutting corporate welfare. Mr. Speaker, we need to get serious about facing our budget problems. This amendment will do nothing to curb spending. It will make it more difficult to pay the bills we run up, and at the same time it will shamefully protect corporate welfare and current special interest loopholes. We should defeat this resolution.”