Richmond, VA - Today, the National Republican Senatorial Committee attacked Tim Kaine for supporting last year's bipartisan debt ceiling compromise. The NRSC, however, may have incurred some collateral damage -- their current boss John Cornyn and their former boss George Allen!
On last year's debt ceiling compromise, Kaine and NRSC Chairman John Cornyn have nearly IDENTICAL positions:
NRSC Chairman Senator John Cornyn: “This proposal is far from perfect, but it is a step in the right direction and I will support it because it serves as an important benchmark towards fundamentally changing the debate in Washington, as the American people asked for last November.”
Tim Kaine: "While far from perfect, the current approach before Congress maintains economic stability by raising the debt ceiling and enacts important spending cuts..."
Of course, Virginia leaders including Bob McDonnell and Eric Cantor also championed the bipartisan deal. Who was one of the few to reject compromise? George Allen.
And, despite the NRSC's... creative... editing of Governor Kaine's words, George Allen actually shares a nearly IDENTICAL position on the need to find cuts in every area of the budget:
Allen Said Of Cutting Defense: “In Every Single Federal Government Agency, There Can Be Savings Found, None Of Them Are Running As Efficiently As Possible.” At the Virginia Bar Association Debate, Allen had the following exchange with Moderator Candy Crowley: “CROWLEY: Governor Allen let me continue with you on the idea of cuts and versus taxes. A member of our audience, actually several members, wanted me to ask you all what specific cuts would you make and let’s take -- we all know the defense budget and entitlements are two huge expenditures for the federal government -- what specific big cut would you make in the defense department to help bring down? ALLEN: In defense? CROWLEY: In defense. ALLEN: In defense - well first of all in every single federal government agency, there can be savings found, none of them are running as efficiently as possible.” [Virginia Bar Association Debate, 7/21/12]
Tim Kaine's Full Answer: Well they’re asking that Democrats give up a position that Democrats care deeply about, which is no compromises, adjustments, reductions to spending including entitlement spending. They’re saying Democrats you have to compromise on that, and Democrats are saying Republicans you have to compromise on revenues, you gotta be willing to close tax loopholes on oil companies that we’re subsidizing that we don’t need to subsidize, you need to be willing to let the Bush tax cuts expire at the top end. Remember when the Bush tax cuts were put in place they were made temporary for one reason and one reason only – if they were permanent they were going to mess up the deficit. That was why Senator Allen and his colleagues made those tax cuts temporary. Well, here we are that’s exactly what’s happened. They’ve messed up the deficit, we need to let them expire at the top end, but Republicans are basically saying to the President we want you to give on all the entitlement things but we’re not going to give on revenues. The American public fully understands that the only way we’ll solve this deficit issue is if we touch everything: we have to cut defense spending, we have to cut non-defense discretionary spending, we have to find cuts and savings in entitlement programs, we’ve got to have new revenues, largely through closing these loopholes that we don’t need to keep in place. [Interview with NBC 12, 7/11/12]
The difference? Tim Kaine has a balanced plan that will find savings, roll back the Bush tax cuts for the wealthy, while protecting education, Medicare and defense. George Allen's all cuts, no middle ground approach would devastate education, Medicare, and expand the deficit to protect tax cuts for the wealthy.
We're used to seeing misleading and false attacks from the other side. But attacking positions taken by their own candidates? That's something new.
CLAIM: “Tim Kaine supported government-run health care.”
FACT: PolitiFact awarded this claim their “Lie of the Year” award in 2010.
PolitiFact's “Lie Of The Year” Was The Claim That The Affordable Care Act Was “A Government Takeover Of Health Care.” In an article entitled, “PolitiFact's Lie of the Year: ‘A government takeover of health care,’” PolitiFact wrote, “PolitiFact editors and reporters have chosen "government takeover of health care" as the 2010 Lie of the Year. Uttered by dozens of politicians and pundits, it played an important role in shaping public opinion about the health care plan . . . The phrase is simply not true. . . . PolitiFact reporters have studied the 906-page bill and interviewed independent health care experts. We have concluded it is inaccurate to call the plan a government takeover because it relies largely on the existing system of health coverage provided by employers.” [PolitiFact, 12/16/10]
Allen’s First Paid Communication Had PolitiFact’s 2010 “Lie Of The Year.” In Allen’s first paid communication of the campaign, he ran a radio ad stating, “Obamacare: A government take-over of healthcare.” [Allen Radio Ad, “Send A Message,” 6/6/12]
CLAIM: Kaine supported “The failed stimulus.”
FACT: Politifact has repeatedly rated NRSC and Allen campaign statements on the stimulus “Pants on Fire” and “False.”
PolitiFact Virginia Gave NRSC A “Pants On Fire” Rating For Video -- Promoted By Allen Campaign -- Stating That The Stimulus Created “Zero Jobs.” PolitiFact Virginia reported, “The National Republican Senatorial Committee posted a web ad inking [sic] Obama and former Gov. Tim Kaine. . . . The 31-second NRSC ad has footage of Kaine strongly endorsing the president and predicting the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 ‘will save or create 2.4 million jobs.’ Three people appear in quick order on the screen, saying, ‘Zero jobs, zero jobs, zero jobs were created.’ Zilch? We thought we’d look into this familiar claim once again, noting that Republican George Allen, Kaine’s likely opponent in next year’s U.S. Senate race, is featuring the ad on his campaign web site and sent out a tweet heralding it. . . . Our ruling . . . there’s an abundance of evidence it did create jobs and saved many more. . . . The NRSC added its name to a list of Republican candidates who claim the stimulus created ‘zero jobs.’ When we asked for proof, the campaign organization provided none. . . . Not one job anywhere? It’s a ridiculous claim and we rate it, once again, Pants on Fire.” [PolitiFact Virginia, 10/21/11]
• Allen’s “Blueprint” Criticizes “Washington’s Jobless Stimulus.” Allen's "Blueprint for America’s Comeback" states,” [M]ore than two years - and nearly a trillion dollars - after passage of Washington’s jobless stimulus bill, the American economy is stuck in idle." [Allen, "Blueprint for America's Comeback," 6/14/11]
PolitiFact Virginia Gave The NRSC A Rating Of “False” For Claiming The Stimulus Failed To Create Jobs. PolitiFact Virginia reported, “As Democrat Tim Kaine campaigns for the Senate, Republicans are hoping to link him with the stimulus bill passed by Congress in 2009. . . . The National Republican Senatorial Committee, which works to elect Republicans to the Senate, is saying the stimulus failed to put Americans back to work. ‘President Obama and liberal former DNC Chairman Tim Kaine’s $787 billion stimulus failed to create jobs,’ the NRSC said in a June 3 press release. Did the stimulus really fail to create jobs? . . . The stimulus may not have created as many jobs as Republicans and Democrats hoped. But there’s no doubt it put many people back to work and preserved the jobs of many more. We rate the NRSC statement False.” [PolitiFact Virginia, 6/20/11]
PolitiFact Virginia Rated Allen Claim On Stimulus “Pants On Fire.” In November 2010, PolitiFact Virginia investigated the following claim on George Allen’s website: "‘The new Congress must repeal and cutoff any additional money borrowed and set aside for Obama, Reid and Pelosi's $1.2 trillion stimulus spending bill.’" PolitiFact investigated the claim and concluded: “That’s just not false, it’s ridiculous. So we have to set the meter ablaze. Pants on Fire.” [PolitiFact Virginia, 11/16/10]
FACT: On the campaign trail, Allen has visited companies that received stimulus money and singled them out as prime examples of how businesses can succeed.
Allen: Micron Is “A Prime Example Of How Americans Can Compete And Succeed In The World.” During an Ask George Allen interview, Allen said, “We need as Americans to be more competitive, we need capital innovation that’s more competitive. We need lower taxes, reasonable regulations, affordable production of American energy rather than being subjected to and vulnerable to outside forces, and obviously a skilled work force and our right to work laws. So, it was invigorating to see the folks in the town hall meeting in Micron. They’re a prime example of how Americans can compete and succeed in the world.” [Ask George Allen, 1/8/12]
• Allen Held Townhall At Company That Took Stimulus Money. The Washington Post reported, “George Allen, the likely Republican nominee for U.S. Senate, recently headlined a town hall at Micron Technology, a semiconductor company with a facility in Manassas. It’s the same company that received $5 million in stimulus money. And the same company whose CEO, Steve Appleton, met with President Obama to show his support for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. But, as you may recall, Allen doesn’t support the recovery act.” [The Washington Post, Virginia Politics Blog, 1/16/12]
Allen Blasted Stimulus While At The Same Time Praising And Visiting Companies That Received Stimulus Contracts. The Blue Virginia Blog reported, “In direct conflict with his months of criticizing the stimulus, George Allen spent the last two weeks touring and touting the economic successes of two Virginia firms that received millions in stimulus grants. One of them, Ennis Electric Company, Allen visited last week and left out of his praise for the company was the fact the firm has benefitted from nearly $14 million in stimulus funding. Additionally, earlier this month, Allen hosted a town hall meeting at Micron Technology, a firm that solicited and received $5 million in stimulus funds. Micron CEO Steve Appleton certainly didn't seem to agree with Allen's assessment of the stimulus program--he met with President Obama to show his support for the legislation in 2009. According to research provided by American Bridge 21st Century, Ennis Electric received federal stimulus funds from multiple contracts between 2009 and 2011.” [Blue Virginia Blog, 1/31/2012]
• Ennis Electric Has Taken Over $20 Million In Stimulus Funds. Ennis Electric has received $20,451,118 in stimulus funds as a sub-recipient. [Recovery.gov, Accessed 10/10/12]
FACT: The stimulus provided a tax cut for 95% of working families and helped save our economy from free fall.
STIMULUS PROVIDED TAX CUT FOR 95% OF WORKING FAMILIES
PolitiFact: Stimulus Provided A Tax Cut For 95% Of Working Families. PolitiFact reported, “[W]e wanted to check Obama's statement that he cut taxes for 95 percent of working families. . . . Because the stimulus act did give that broad-based tax cut to workers, we rate Obama's statement True.” [PolitiFact, 1/27/10]
EVEN GOVERNOR MCDONNELL HAS GIVEN STIMULUS CREDIT
McDonnell Said Stimulus Helped Us In The Short Run And Said President Obama Deserved Some Credit. The Washington Post reported, “Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell (R) wandered off script somewhat Sunday as a surrogate for the Mitt Romney presidential campaign, conceding that President Obama’s stimulus measures helped his state weather the economic crisis. . . . ‘Did it help us in the short run with health care and education and spending to balance the budget? Sure,’ . . . During his CNN appearance, when asked whether Obama deserved ‘just a tiny bit of credit’ for helping the economy, McDonnell said: ‘Well, sure. I think there are national policies that have had some impact.’” [The Washington Post, 6/3/12]
CBO: STIMULUS ADDED AS MANY AS 3.3 MILLION JOBS
U.S. Has Created More Private Sector Jobs In Last Two Years, Than Were Created In The Entire Time Allen Was In The U.S. Senate. The U.S. has added more private sector jobs in the last two years – 3.9 million -- than were added during Allen’s entire tenure in the Senate. [Bureau of Labor Statistics]
Washington Post: “CBO’s Own Analysis Found That The Package Added As Many As 3.3 Million Jobs To The Economy.” Reporting on the congressional testimony of CBO Director, Douglas Elmendorf, the Washington Post reported, “CBO’s own analysis found that the package added as many as 3.3 million jobs to the economy during the second quarter of 2010, and may have prevented the nation from lapsing back into recession.” [Washington Post, 6/6/12]
CBO Director “Emphatic About The Value Of The 2009 Stimulus;” 80 Percent Of Economists Agree That Stimulus Lowered Unemployment. The Washington Post wrote, “Did the stimulus work? Certainly not according to Republicans, who regularly blast President Obama’s ‘failed’ economic policies on the campaign trail… But on Wednesday, under questioning from skeptical Republicans, the director of the nonpartisan (and widely respected) Congressional Budget Office was emphatic about the value of the 2009 stimulus. And, he said, the vast majority of economists agree. In a survey conducted by the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, 80 percent of economic experts agreed that, because of the stimulus, the U.S. unemployment rate was lower at the end of 2010 than it would have been otherwise. ‘Only 4 percent disagreed or strongly disagreed,’ CBO Director Douglas Elmendorf told the House Budget Committee. ‘That,’ he added, ‘is a distinct minority.’” [Washington Post, 6/6/12]
WHEN THE RECOVERY ACT PASSED, ECONOMY WAS IN FREE FALL
2008: Real GDP Contracted At An Annualized Rate Of 8.9% In The 4th Quarter Of 2008. According to data from the Commerce Department’s Bureau of Economic Analysis, real gross domestic product contracted at a seasonally adjusted annualized rate of 8.9% in the 4th quarter of 2008. [Press Release, Bureau of Economic Analysis, U.S. Department of Commerce, 1/27/12]
The U.S. Lost 779,000 Jobs In January Of 2009. The Associated Press reported, “January's [2010] job losses were the smallest since the recession began and are down from the huge loss of 779,000 jobs in January 2009.” [Associated Press, 2/5/10; Press Release, Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2/5/10]
March 9th, 2009: Dow Closed At 6,547.05, A 12-Year Low. In an article headlined, “For Dow, Another 12-Year Low -- S&P Also Finishes At Lowest Level In More Than A Decade As Wall Street Resumes Its Retreat On Economic Worries,” CNNMoney reported, “Stocks tumbled Monday, with the Dow and S&P 500 ending at fresh 12-year lows. . . . The Dow Jones industrial average (INDU) lost 80 points, or 1.2%, to end at 6,547.05, its lowest point since April 15, 1997. The S&P 500 (SPX) index lost nearly 7 points or 1%, to end at 676.53, its lowest point since Sept. 12, 1996.” [CNNMoney.Com, 3/9/09]
CLAIM: Kaine supported “Trillions in wasteful, bankrupting, spending.”
FACT: The main policy drivers of our current deficits are policies Allen voted to put on the credit card: the Bush tax cuts and the unfunded wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
New York Times Chart Shows That Bush Tax Cuts And War Spending “Were The Biggest Policy Drivers Of The Swing From Projected Surplus To Deficits.” An editorial by Teresa Tritch in the New York Times entitled, “How The Deficit Got This Big,” stated, “In 2001, President George W. Bush inherited a surplus, with projections by the Congressional Budget Office for ever-increasing surpluses, assuming continuation of the good economy and President Bill Clinton’s policies. But every year starting in 2002, the budget fell into deficit. In January 2009, just before President Obama took office, the budget office projected a $1.2 trillion deficit for 2009 and deficits in subsequent years, based on continuing Mr. Bush’s policies and the effects of recession. Mr. Obama’s policies in 2009 and 2010, including the stimulus package, added to the deficits in those years but are largely temporary. . . . The second graph shows that under Mr. Bush, tax cuts and war spending were the biggest policy drivers of the swing from projected surpluses to deficits from 2002 to 2009.” [Editorial, Teresa Tritch, New York Times, 7/23/11]
Center On Budget And Policy Priorities: Bush Tax Cuts, Wars, And The Economic Downturn “Explain Virtually The Entire Deficit Over The Next Ten Years.” An analysis of the federal budget by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities stated, “Some lawmakers, pundits, and others continue to say that President George W. Bush’s policies did not drive the projected federal deficits of the coming decade — that, instead, it was the policies of President Obama and Congress in 2009 and 2010. But, the fact remains: the economic downturn, President Bush’s tax cuts and the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq explain virtually the entire deficit over the next ten years (see Figure 1).” [The Center On Budget And Policy Priorities, 5/10/11]
Projections Show That By 2019, Almost Half The Public Debt Of The U.S. Will Be Attributable To The Bush Tax Cuts And Wars In Iraq And Afghanistan. An analysis of the federal budget by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities stated, “[T]he Bush-era tax cuts and the Iraq and Afghanistan wars — including their associated interest costs — account for almost half of the projected public debt in 2019 (measured as a share of the economy) if we continue current policies. . . . Altogether, the economic downturn, the measures enacted to combat it (including the 2009 Recovery Act), and the financial rescue legislation play a smaller role in the projected debt increase over the next decade.” [The Center On Budget And Policy Priorities, 5/20/11]
FACT: Even Allen admitted he had a spending problem when he was in the senate.
2012: Allen On Government Spending When He Was In The Senate: “In The Years I Was In The Senate, Yeah, It Was A Problem In Those Years.” At the AP-Day Debate in December 2011, Allen said, “When Tim talks about spending, in the years I was in the Senate, yeah, it was a problem in those years.” [AP-Day Debate, 12/7/11]
As Senator, Allen Voted For Every Appropriations Bill That Came Up, Adding Over $3 Trillion To The National Debt. PolitiFact Virginia wrote, “Under the budgets approved during Allen’s term, debt climbed by $3.202 trillion. Congress sets budgets through a series of appropriations bills, and Allen supported all of the roughly four dozen bills to hit the Senate floor during his term. . . . Radtke said debt increased by $3 trillion during Allen’s Senate term, a figure equal to $16,000 per second. The actual figures were $3.202 trillion, or $16,896.68 per second.” [Richmond Times-Dispatch, “PolitiFact Virginia,” 4/15/11]
• Allen Voted for Every Deficit-Growing, Budget-Busting Bush Budget. [Vote 74, 3/16/06; Vote 363, 12/21/05; Vote 114, 4/28/05; Vote 58, 3/12/04; Vote 134, 4/11/03; Vote 98, 5/10/01; Vote 86, 4/6/01]• Allen Voted Against Restoring PAYGO Rules At Least Six Times. Allen voted against restoring pay-as-you-go (PAYGO) rules at least six times, which would have required tax cuts and new entitlement spending to be offset with revenue increases or spending cuts. [Vote 38, 3/14/06; Vote 340, 11/17/05; Vote 283, 11/3/05; Vote 53, 3/16/05; Vote 38, 3/10/04; Vote 200, 5/23/03]
FACT: Allen favored policies that were even much more fiscally irresponsible than those President Bush enacted.
2001: ALLEN SAID BUSH TAX CUTS WERE TOO SMALL AND THAT SURPLUSES WOULD COME IN HIGHER THAN CBO PROJECTED
Allen On 2001 Bush Tax Cuts: “[It’s] Reasonable To Believe That The On-Budget Surpluses Will Come In Higher Than Projected.” In a floor statement, Allen said, “We hear many issues and ideas about triggers and brakes and circuit breakers designed to slow down tax relief and not enough about a tax cut accelerator in the case that on-budget surpluses are higher than expected. If you look at the Congressional Budget Office projections over the years, they are generally very pessimistic about what revenues will be coming in.” Citing past tax cuts, Allen went on to say: “These numbers, coupled with CBO's past inaccuracies, make it reasonable to believe that the on-budget surpluses will come in higher than projected.” [Congressional Record, 4/5/01]
• Allen Sponsored An Amendment To Increase The Bush Tax Cuts If Surpluses Came In Larger Than Expected. In 2001, Allen sponsored an amendment, stipulating that if the CBO projected higher than expected budget surpluses, the excess surplus money would be used to increase the Bush tax cuts and not to fund increased government spending. By a vote of 45-55, the Senate ruled the Allen amendment out of order. [S. Amendment 201 to H. Con. Res. 83; Roll Call Vote No. 81, 4/5/01]• Allen Said 2001 Bush Tax Cuts Were “Not As Much An Overall Tax Cut As I’d Like.” A Press Release from Senator Allen stated: “Senator Allen also applauded the overall $1.35 trillion tax-relief bill. . . . ‘Although not as much an overall tax cut as I'd like, today the Senate has taken major strides to restore fairness to the tax code,’ he said.” [Press Release From Senator Allen, 5/23/01]
ALLEN VOTED FOR 2003 BUSH TAX CUTS TO BE DOUBLE THE SIZE
Allen Voted Against Bipartisan Measure That Reduced 2003 Bush Tax Cuts From $726 Billion To $350 Billion. In 2003, Allen voted against a bipartisan measure to reduce Bush’s proposed tax cut from $726 billion to $350 billion and use the savings to shore up the social security trust fund. The amendment came out of a bipartisan deal between Democratic Senator Breaux and Republican Senators Voinovich, Snowe, and Chafee. The measure passed 51-48. Allen voted no. [Vote 93, 3/25/03; CBS MarketWatch, 3/26/03]
CLAIM: Kaine wants to cut defense spending to pay for health care and stimulus.
FACT: Full context of 2011 Kaine interview on debt ceiling crisis shows he was merely stating: “The American public fully understands that the only way we’ll solve this deficit issue is if we touch everything:” entitlements, defense, and revenues.
In 2011 Interview On Debt Ceiling Crisis, Kaine Said The American People Understand That The Only Way To Solve The Deficit Issue Is To Touch Everything. In an interview with Ryan Nobles of NBC12 Richmond, Kaine said, “Remember when the Bush tax cuts were put in place they were made temporary for one reason and one reason only – if they were permanent they were going to mess up the deficit. That was why Senator Allen and his colleagues made those tax cuts temporary. Well, here we are that’s exactly what’s happened. They’ve messed up the deficit, we need to let them expire at the top end, but Republicans are basically saying to the President we want you to give on all the entitlement things but we’re not going to give on revenues. The American public fully understands that the only way we’ll solve this deficit issue is if we touch everything: we have to cut defense spending, we have to cut non-defense discretionary spending, we have to find cuts and savings in entitlement programs, we’ve got to have new revenues, largely through closing these loopholes that we don’t need to keep in place.” [Kaine Interview, NBC12 Richmond, 7/14/11]
FACT: Allen was specifically asked in a Senate debate whether he would make defense cuts and he said yes.
Allen Said Of Cutting Defense: “In Every Single Federal Government Agency, There Can Be Savings Found, None Of Them Are Running As Efficiently As Possible.” At the Virginia Bar Association Debate, Allen had the following exchange with Moderator Candy Crowley: “CROWLEY: Governor Allen let me continue with you on the idea of cuts and versus taxes. A member of our audience, actually several members, wanted me to ask you all what specific cuts would you make and let’s take -- we all know the defense budget and entitlements are two huge expenditures for the federal government -- what specific big cut would you make in the defense department to help bring down? ALLEN: In defense? CROWLEY: In defense. ALLEN: In defense - well first of all in every single federal government agency, there can be savings found, none of them are running as efficiently as possible.” [Virginia Bar Association Debate, 7/21/12]
FACT: Only one candidate in this race has ever voted against funding for our troops and veterans.
ALLEN VOTED TO ALLOW TRICARE FEES TO TRIPLE FOR RETIRED OFFICERS
2006: Allen Voted Against Measure To Stop TRICARE Fees From Tripling For Retired Officers. In 2006, Allen voted against an amendment that would have put more money into Tricare and would have blocked a Bush administration proposal to raise fees and co-payments for younger retirees on Tricare. The amendment would have been paid for by closing tax loopholes. Republicans DeWine and Chafee voted for the amendment, which failed 46-53. Allen voted no. [Roll Call Vote No. 67, 3/16/06]
• Kerry: “Bush’s Proposal Would Essentially Triple Fees For Retired Officers.” A press release from Senator John Kerry stated, “Today, Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.) offered an amendment to restore funding for TRICARE, the Department of Defense healthcare program for servicemembers and their families. President Bush's budget for next year includes a proposal to increase TRICARE fees and co-payments for military retirees under the age of 65 and their dependents. . . . Bush's proposal would essentially triple fees for retired officers, double them for senior enlisted retirees, and demand more from every military retiree under the age of 65 who uses the TRICARE health care system. Kerry's amendment restores the funding for TRICARE so that military retirees are not saddled with increased fees and co-payments.” [Press Release from Senator John Kerry, 3/16/06]• Amendment Allen Opposed Would Have Closed Tax Loopholes And Blocked Bush Proposal To Increase TRICARE Fees. The Navy Times reported, “Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., offered an amendment that would have blocked a Bush administration proposal to increase health care fees and co-payments for military retirees under age 65 who are covered by Tricare, but that amendment was defeated by a 53-46 vote. Kerry's amendment would have closed tax loopholes to raise $10.4 billion over five years as an alternative to increasing Tricare fees for younger retirees.” [Navy Times, 3/27/06]
ALLEN VOTED AGAINST $322 MILLION FOR BATTLEFIELD CLEARANCE AND SAFETY EQUIPMENT FOR OUR TROOPS
2003: Allen Voted Against Adding $322 Million For Battlefield Clearance And Safety Equipment For Our Troops. Allen voted for the “Stevens, R-Alaska, motion to table (kill) the Dodd, D-Conn., amendment no. 1817 that would add $322 million to the bill's spending on battlefied clearance and safety equipment for U.S. troops in Iraq.” [Vote 376, 10/2/03; CQ Floor Votes]
• Dodd Said His Amendment Was Meant To Alleviate A Shortfall Of “$200 Million For Critical Gear For Our Soldiers” That The Army Cited. In a floor statement, Chris Dodd said the following about his proposed Amendment 1817, “I rise to propose this amendment to the emergency supplemental spending bill to ensure that Congress and the administration keep sight of what I believe must remain our number one priority for the conduct of the operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, the protection of our American troops. According to the U.S. Army, the President's supplemental bill falls short of over $200 million for critical gear for our soldiers slated to rotate in Iraq and Afghanistan in the months ahead. This amendment was designed specifically to see to it that those U.S. troops coming into Iraq, into a theater of war, would receive important equipment they need to perform their missions effectively. This equipment includes important high-tech body armor, bullet-proof helmets, special water packs to keep soldiers hydrated, and other survival gear.” [Congressional Record, 10/2/03]
ALLEN VOTED AGAINST $1 BILLION FOR EQUIPMENT FOR NATIONAL GUARD AND RESERVES
2003: Allen Voted Against “Approximately $1 Billion For Equipment For National Guard And Reserves.” Allen voted in favor of the “Cochran, R-Miss., motion to table (kill) the Landrieu, D-La., amendment that would appropriate approximately $1 billion for equipment for the National Guard and Reserves.” [Vote 116, 4/2/03; CQ Floor Votes]
• Landrieu Press Release Cited Need For “Helmets, Tents, Bullet-Proof Inserts, And Tactical Vests.” A press release from Senator Landrieu’s office said, “The Marine Corps Reserve reports that before they could deploy a second wave of troops a shortage of helmets, tents, bullet-proof inserts, and tactical vests must be fulfilled. Likewise, the Army Reserve reports a shortage of rifles - both the M4 and M16 – would have to be replenished before deploying a second wave of troops. Landrieu's amendment would increase funding for the Reserves and Guard by $1 billion.” [Senator Mary Landrieu Press Release, 3/26/03] •
ALLEN VOTED AGAINST TAX RELIEF FOR COMBAT TROOPS
2005: Allen Voted Against Extending Earned Income Tax Relief For Combat Troops. Allen voted against “Kerry, D-Mass., motion to waive the Budget Act with respect to the Grassley, R-Iowa, point of order against the Kerry amendment no. 2616. The Kerry amendment would extend through 2007 the inclusion of combat pay in earned income. It also would accelerate so-called marriage penalty tax relief for the earned income tax credit and extend the effective dates of leasing provisions of the American Jobs Creation Act.” The Motion failed 55-43, though a three-fifths majority was required to waive the budget act, thus the amendment fell. Forty-three Democrats and 11 Republicans voted in favor of the Kerry amendment. [Vote 344, 11/17/05; CQ Floor Votes]
• Reagan Called The EITC “The Best Anti-Poverty, The Best Pro-Family, The Best Job Creation Measure To Come Out Of Congress.” The Topeka Capital-Journal reported that President Reagan said “The Earned Income Tax Credit is the best anti-poverty, the best pro-family, the best job creation measure to come out of Congress.” [Topeka Capital-Journal, 1/21/12]• New York Times Editorial Called The EITC “The Pride Of Ronald Reagan.” [The New York Times, 8/30/11]
Obama On Tax Relief Amendment: “Our Troops Not Only Earn Their Combat Pay, But They Have Also Earned Our Respect.” In a floor statement, Senator Obama said, “I rise to speak in favor of the amendment I am offering with Senator Kerry to make two simple yet critical improvements to the earned income credit and to reduce the Federal deficit. Our amendment provides relief from the marriage penalty and from the military service penalty faced by many low-income taxpayers. . . . The second fix proposed by this amendment is to ensure that the families of our men and women in combat are not deprived of their tax benefits. In the midst of war, are we really going to tell our troops that their combat pay doesn't count as earned income for purposes of calculating tax credits? That is hard to image. Our amendment extends the tax protection for combat pay through 2007. Our troops not only earn their combat pay, but they have also earned our respect. They deserve our commitment of support.” [Congressional Record, 11/17/05]
ALLEN VOTED AGAINST $47 BILLION TO “RECONDITION AND REPAIR EQUIPMENT” FOR THE MILITARY
Allen Voted Against $47 Billion To “Recondition And Repair Equipment” For Military, Which Would Be Paid For By Repealing Certain Tax Cuts. Allen voted against the Reed amendment, which according to Congressional Quarterly “would provide $47 billion to recondition and repair equipment for the military.” [Vote 8, 2/2/06; CQ Floor Votes]
CLAIM: “Kaine supported a plan that would cut have a trillion in our nation’s defense.”
FACT: The day the debt deal was struck, Kaine and NRSC Chairman John Cornyn issued nearly identical statements of support.
Cornyn On Debt Deal: “This Proposal Is Far From Perfect, But It Is A Step In The Right Direction And I Will Support It.” A press release from Senator Cornyn’s office stated, “U.S. Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) a member of the Senate Budget Committee, today announced he will support the Budget Control Act of 2011 and released this statement: . . . ‘This proposal is far from perfect, but it is a step in the right direction and I will support it because it serves as an important benchmark towards fundamentally changing the debate in Washington, as the American people asked for last November.’” [Senator Cornyn Press Release, 8/1/11]
Kaine On Debt Deal: “While Far From Perfect, The Current Approach Before Congress Maintains Economic Stability By Raising The Debt Ceiling And Enacts Important Spending Cuts.” [Kaine Campaign Press Release, 8/1/11]
FACT: The debt deal was negotiated by Republican leaders Mitch McConnell, John Boehner and Eric Cantor. Allen’s approach would have led the U.S. to default on its debts for the first time in history, which is why the vast majority of his own allies supported the deal.
PAUL RYAN
Paul Ryan On Why He Voted For The Debt Deal: “It Was A Step In The Right Direction.” In an interview on Face the Nation, Ryan said, “I did, you know why I voted for it? Because I was working to find common ground with Democrats to get a down payment on deficit reduction. I worked with President Obama to find common ground to get a down payment on deficit reduction. It wasn't a big down payment but it was a step in the right direction.” [Face The Nation, 9/9/12]
JOHN BOEHNER
John Boehner On Debt Deal: “I Got 98 Percent Of What I Wanted. I'm Pretty Happy.” While discussing the debt deal on CBS Evening News, John Boehner said, “When you look at this final agreement that we came to with the white House, I got 98 percent of what I wanted. I'm pretty happy.” [CBS Evening News, 8/1/11]
U.S. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
U.S. Chamber Of Commerce: “This Legislation—The Product Of A Bipartisan Agreement Among Congressional Leaders And President Obama—Must Be Approved To Avert Default.” The U.S. Chamber of Commerce said, "The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the world’s largest business federation representing the interests of more than three million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and region, strongly supports the “Budget Control Act of 2011,” which would increase the statutory debt ceiling. This legislation—the product of a bipartisan agreement among Congressional leaders and President Obama—must be approved to avert default, reduce spending, and begin the process of getting America’s fiscal house in order." [U.S. Chamber of Commerce Press Release, 8/1/2011]
The US Chamber Of Commerce On Debt Deal: “This Legislation Is The Right Thing To Do.” In a key vote letter supporting the Budget Control Act of 2011, the US Chamber of Commerce said: "As is the nature of all compromises, this bill is not perfect. It does not fix America’s long-run debt and deficit problems, nor reform the tax code, two things that Congress still must do. But this legislation is the right thing to do, now. This legislation increases the statutory debt ceiling in a manner that does not trigger an increase in taxes, but instead would force Congress to cut spending. The Chamber strongly supports the “Budget Control Act of 2011.” The Chamber will consider including votes on, or in relation to, this issue in our annual How They Voted scorecard." [U.S. Chamber Of Commerce, Key Vote Letter, 8/1/11]
Donohue Threatened To “Get Rid Of” Republicans Who Didn't Support Raising Borrowing Limit. Time reported, "At a Chamber of Commerce event on Monday in Atlanta, Chamber President Tom Donohue had a pointed message for Republicans who won’t raise the borrowing limit: ‘We’ll get rid of you.’ Wall Street is fed up with the debt-limit brinkmanship; John Boehner received a chilly reception when he laid out Republican demands in New York City last month. In Atlanta, Donohue offered the House Speaker the kind of backhanded compliment that can leave a mark. ‘He’s growing into his shorts,’ Donohue said. ‘He’s put on his big boy pants.’” [Time, 6/14/11]
ERIC CANTOR
Cantor Negotiated Sequestration Deal And Whipped Freshman Tea Party Representatives To Vote For It. The New York Times reported, “Staff members from the office of Mr. McCarthy and Representative Eric Cantor of Virginia, the Republican majority leader, leaned on the aides of on-the-fence members, fuming, at times, said several staff members, that their bosses would not simply commit and move on. To get the bill to pass, Mr. McCarthy and Mr. Cantor worked the phones, as well as the hallways and the floor of the House.” [New York Times, 8/2/11]
• Allen Just Recently: Cantor “Is Doing A Fantastic Job As A Leader In The House Of Representatives.” Appearing at Eric Cantor’s Republican Round-Up, Allen said, “It’s great to see so many people here supporting Eric Cantor, who is doing a fantastic job as a leader in the House of Representatives.” [Eric Cantor’s Republican Round-up, 10/6/12]• Allen Praised Cantor’s “Positive, Constructive Leadership.” Appearing at Eric Cantor’s Republican Round-Up, Allen said, “we’re going to have Eric Cantor and his positive, constructive leadership improving the lives of people at their kitchen tables, their small businesses.” [Eric Cantor’s Republican Round-up, 10/6/12]
MITCH MCCONNELL
McConnell Praised The Budget Control Act As One Of The “Things We Agree On… [That] Will Get Us A Trillion Dollars In Savings Over 10 Years.” The following exchange occurred on NBC’s Meet The Press: DAVID GREGORY: “Isn't this classic? Politicians talking out of both sides of their mouths? We can't have an ultimatum, ‘my way or the highway,’ but we will not talk about tax increases as we go forward to try to bring this budget into balance over time.” SEN MINORITY LEADER MITCH MCCONNELL: “Well, regretfully, it never gets talked about, but there actually are things we agree on. We passed the Budget Control Act last August, this past August. It will get us a trillion dollars in savings over 10 years.” [Meet the Press, 9/18/11]
MCDONNELL AND VIRGINIA’S REPUBLICAN CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION
Six Out Of Eight Of Virginia’s Republican Congressman Voted For Sequestration Deal. The Richmond Times Dispatch reported that six of Virginia’s Republican congressman voted for sequestration deal. They include: Robert J. Wittman, R-1st; Scott Rigell, R-2nd; Robert Hurt, R-5th; Robert W. Goodlatte, R-6th; Eric Cantor, R-7th; Frank R. Wolf, R-10th. [Richmond Times Dispatch, 8/2/11]
McDonnell Supported Debt Ceiling Deal. The Virginian-Pilot reported, “Offering measured praise for the late-breaking federal debt ceiling deal that averted a potential credit default, Gov. Bob McDonnell cautioned Tuesday that it is just a ‘small first step’ to get government spending under control. ‘I am pleased that we have avoided default, which would have threatened Virginia's AAA bond rating and have been catastrophic for our economy, and that this legislation cuts spending and does not raise taxes,’ the governor said in a statement. ‘Throughout this debate I have been clear that Congress must raise the debt limit by August 2 and that any increase in the debt limit should be accompanied by a reduction in federal spending. This legislation, while not perfect, achieves both of those objectives.’" [The Virginian-Pilot, 8/2/11]
FAIRFAX COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Fairfax County Chamber Of Commerce Supported Deal To Raise Debt Ceiling. The Washington Post Virginia Politics blog reported, “Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce President Jim Corcoran, mindful of the billions of dollars that pour into Northern Virginia from the federal government, called on Congress and the White House on Tuesday to cut a deal to raise the debt ceiling or risk damaging Virginia’s economic powerhouse.” [The Washington Post, Virginia Politics Blog, 7/26/11]
KARL ROVE
Rove Praised House Republicans For The Debt Deal They Negotiated And Passed, Called The Cuts In The Deal “A Down Payment.” In an op-ed published in The Wall Street Journal, Karl Rove wrote, “For Republicans, the outcome was far more positive. House Republicans adroitly shifted the debate's focus from how much to raise the debt ceiling to how much should spending be cut. They achieved this even while the other two centers of power in any legislative struggle—the Senate and the White House—remained in Democratic hands. In doing so, Republicans achieved roughly two-thirds of the spending cuts sought in the budget the House passed in April, cuts which would have gone nowhere in the Senate without the debt-ceiling battle. . . . The cuts agreed to in the debt-ceiling debate are a down payment.” [Rove Op-Ed, Wall Street Journal, 8/4/11]
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