Brian Riedl
Brian Riedl
clearly dragging feet instead senate senators spending tax
The Senate is clearly dragging its feet on spending reform. Some senators have called for instead reversing the tax cuts.
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In the absence of even mentioning tax reform in his State of the Union address, it may be presumptuous to assume a revenue-neutral AMT fix after 2007.
area classify count generally gray list obviously oppose setting similar specific spending though
I generally would still not count that as an earmark, even though it has a similar effect, because it is such a gray area of how specific is too specific when setting eligibility criteria. I obviously oppose those provisions, but I would not classify them the same as spending earmarks that actually list the name.
bankrupt biggest care coming crisis danger economic entire federal health literally needs next problem system
The biggest economic danger of the next 50 years is the coming crisis in entitlement spending. The problem is the entire health care system is in crisis. The entire U.S. health care system needs to be overhauled. If not, it will literally bankrupt the federal government.
bad five last next worse
As bad as the last five years have been, it's going to get even worse the next five years.
absolutely addicted baby boomers congress costs dealing director fiscal medicare outlook retire social spending top
Director Portman will be inheriting the most dire long-term fiscal outlook we've ever had. The first baby boomers retire in 18 months, and the Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid costs are set to explode. On top of that, he'll be dealing with a Congress that's absolutely addicted to runaway spending and pork!
congress continues cutting resist
Congress continues to resist cutting even one program.
consider deciding gets worthy
Earmarks could be worthy or not, but we still consider it corrupting because lawmakers are deciding who gets a grant.
balance debt dump history household increases laps largest next per percent reach tax within
dump the largest debt in world history into the laps of the next generation. Within a decade, tax increases would need to reach $7,000 per household (a 37 percent tax hike) just to balance the budget.
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It's symbolic progress for Congress to learn that they can terminate programs without the sky falling. Maybe they can come back next year and start terminating programs whose costs make a difference.
pork projects sacrifice serve time
It's about time lawmakers sacrifice pork projects that essentially serve as taxpayer-financed re-election advertisements.
decide
It's something we have to decide as a country. What are our priorities?
campaign congress create entirely government grants helps illusion incentive pork reform rein retaining sell system
Congress has no incentive to rein in pork, because pork helps lawmakers get campaign contributions and get re-elected. It is entirely predictable that Congress would create the illusion of reform while retaining the system that allows them to sell government grants for campaign contributions.
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There is not much courage out there. Like an alcoholic, the first thing you have to do is admit you have a problem. The flip side of it is, Americans are vehemently opposed to every possible solution.