On the recordMarch 26, 2015
I urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment. While there are many of us who support full funding for PILT, this amendment is impractical. In fact, the Congressional Research Service reports indicate that attempts to set up tax equivalency for PILT would be wrought with errors and gamesmanship. That is because counties routinely tax different land uses at different rates. Second, my colleagues should note that this may increase PILT payments more than 350 percent of today's authorized level, and that would raise the cost of this program from $4 to $5 billion, to $15 to $20 billion. Because the amendment creates a spending-neutral reserve fund, only cuts to other mandatory spending programs could be used to fund the 350 percent rise in payments. So, Mr. President, I cannot support this amendment. It is unsustainable and unworkable, and I urge my colleagues to oppose it. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The question is on agreeing to the amendment, as modified.
