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Hoyer: Republican Misfire on the Budget Bill Shows Just How Irresponsible It Is

WASHINGTON, DC – House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement this afternoon after the House Republican leadership pulled their budget reconciliation bill:

“The Republicans’ inability to put this ill-conceived, deficit-increasing budget bill on the House Floor today shows just how bad this legislation is.  And, it shows a Republican Majority in disarray and bereft of ideas that address the needs of the American people.

“This bill is an absolute charade.  Most Republicans clearly believe that they can pull one over on the American people, pretending that they are restoring fiscal discipline when they actually are increasing the deficits that they created over the last five years.

“The fact that the Republican leadership could not corral the votes for this irresponsible bill demonstrates two things.  First, it shows that some Republicans understand that this budget bill does not pass the laugh test.  They know that they cannot, with a straight face, go back home and tell their constituents that they support cutting Medicaid, student loans, food stamps and other key programs, while turning right around the next week and passing tax cuts for the wealthiest people in America – all the while driving us deeper into debt.

“And second, this misfire shows that the Republican Party is running scared.  The Democratic victories on Tuesday night showed an electorate that is not pleased with the Republican Party, with its priorities, its failures and the ethical cloud hanging over its head.  There is a direct link between the Democratic Party’s strong showing on Tuesday and the refusal of moderate and marginal Republicans to put their political necks in the guillotine by voting for this bad budget bill.

“I am pleased and proud that all Democrats were absolutely united, stuck to our principles and did not waver an inch in opposing this bill.”

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