On the recordMarch 3, 2010
I have offered an amendment to take a small step toward addressing the growing problem of the Federal deficits. The underlying bill we are considering would extend many vitally important programs, including various tax provisions, unemployment benefits, COBRA health benefits, and other provisions to help the millions of Americans who have lost jobs or who are struggling in this economy to get back on their feet again. While I support these provisions, I am disappointed the bill is not fully paid for. My amendment will not cover the whole cost of the bill, but it will make a small dent as we try to get our financial house in order and make the tough choices to avoid hamstringing future generations with this debt. There is no single or easy solution to the massive deficits we face, but one thing we should be doing is taking a hard look at the Federal budget for wasteful or unnecessary spending. Hard-working American families have to make these kinds of decisions every week to make ends meet... My proposal to rescind old, unwanted transportation earmarks would bring down our deficit by a modest sum by Washington, DC, standards-- around $600 million and perhaps a few billion dollars over time.
