Recently in Washington

Statement of Congressman Mike Simpson on House passage of the Senate Amendment to H.R. 1586, the Education Jobs and Medicaid Assistance Act

“When one broke unit of government borrows foreign money to bail out another broke unit of government, the inevitable loser is the taxpayer,” said Congressman Mike Simpson. “The American people clearly, and overwhelmingly, want their federal government to start making the tough decisions state governments are faced with every day. That means setting realistic budgets, establishing clear priorities, and using restraint in the expenditure of taxpayer funds. Instead, Congressional Democrats have chosen to deceive the American people about the true impact of this bill on our nation’s deficit and long-term debt. The reality is that while Democrats are claiming the bill is paid for with tax increases and future spending cuts, the Congressional Budget Office has said that under Statutory Pay-Go, the bill increases the deficit by $12.6 billion over 10 years. That is simply unacceptable.”

“I am further frustrated that while some states, like Idaho, have made the very difficult decisions required to balance their budgets, other states have simply put off the tough decisions hoping and praying that the federal government will step in and solve their fiscal problems for them,” said Simpson. “What the House did today rewards poorly managed states, like California, and encourages their continued fiscal mismanagement while punishing the taxpayers of states, like Idaho, that have acted responsibly. It is not right and I cannot support it.”

House Legislative Business This Week

MONDAY, AUGUST 9, 2010
On Monday, the House will meet at 7:00 p.m. in pro forma session. No votes are expected in the House.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2010
On Tuesday, the House will meet at 10:00 a.m. for legislative business.

Senate Amendment to H.R. 1586 - Education Jobs and Medicaid Assistance Act (Subject to a Rule)(Sponsored by Rep. Obey / Appropriations Committee)

Privileged Resolution Regarding a Possible Lame Duck Session (Sponsored by Rep. Price (GA))