Congressman Boehner today wrote a letter to the chairmen of the president’s “debt commission” arguing that all of its meetings should be open to the public and its recommendations should be released before Election Day. Boehner said today:
>> OPEN THE MEETINGS TO THE PUBLIC: “‘If we’re going to have a commission like this, it should be a commission that will work in the transparent, open, and accountable way that the American people deserve,’ Boehner, of Ohio, wrote.” (Bloomberg News, 3/3/10)
>> RELEASE RECOMMENDATIONS BY OCTOBER 1: “‘Considering that a lame-duck Congress could conceivably vote on the Commission’s recommendations shortly after they are reported, would the Commission report its recommendations two months earlier – by October 1, 2010 – in order for the electorate to engage elected officials and candidates for office on the Commission’s report prior to the election?’ he asked in the letter.” (Wall Street Journal, 3/3/10)
Of course, Washington doesn’t have to wait for a commission – weighted heavily in favor of raising taxes – to issue recommendations; Congressman Boehner has a plan to start cutting spending now to help rein in the deficit and create new jobs.
For example, Boehner and Republican Whip Eric Cantor (R-VA) wrote a letter to the president urging him to use his authority under the 1974 Budget Act to submit specific proposals to Congress for cutting wasteful Washington spending.
And before that, Republicans outlined a straightforward plan for repealing unspent “stimulus” dollars, shutting down the TARP bailout, and adding – and enforcing – real caps to limit government spending.
But if there’s going to be a “debt commission” at all, it ought to conduct its business out in the open and give Americans time to review its recommendations to lawmakers before November.
READ MORE:
- Boehner Calls on President Obama to Start Cutting Spending Now (2/8/10)
- Boehner: Repeal Unspent “Stimulus,” Shut Down TARP, Add Spending Caps to Cut the Deficit (2/5/10)
- GOP “No Cost” Jobs Plan a Better Solution Than More Spending, More Debt (1/25/10)
- Economists Back Boehner, Call on Democrats to Stop the Spending to Create New Jobs (12/17/09)
- Boehner Votes to Shut Down TARP, Use Money for Deficit Reduction (12/12/09)
Congressman Boehner,
Thank you for leading the fight to reclaim America. Along with congressmen Cantor and Pence, you are the light at the end of this dark tunnel. Sadly I am in a district beside that of Mr. Pence and stuck with Baron Hill who appears to be deaf to the wishes of the people. Keep up the fight Sir.
What bothers me about this commission is that Obama has appointed Andy Stern. This just smells very bad considering how much of the labor pension he has used to “further” his involvement in government. America will not abide by this administration threatening our freedoms. this health care is a ticking time bomb that once it is passed by the senate and congress, our lives as we now know it will cease to be. This is nothing but a political grab for power and is not being directed by our government. Politicians need to understand that the spending has got to stop.
Thanks for what you do to stem this arrogant tide that is creating distrust in the American people.
Congressman Boehner,
This is obviously another Obama gimmick to raise taxes and we all know that, but I agree we should apply pressure for these hearings and meeting to be held in the open. We also agree that the findings and recommendations should be released in time for the electorate to judge the action of thier respective congressman..
Being a native Californian, we were sorry to loose our current rep George Redonovich, but I can almost guarantee our district will elect another good conservative. There is also a pretty good looking candidate who if he wins the primary may give Nancy Pelosi a run for her money. Things are changing and people (even Californians) are fed up with this administration and Democrat led congress.
Keep up the good work, You and the cadre of conservatives are our hope right now. Please be the party of “know”..
Phil
Where was this push for transparency during the Bush years? Typical republicanderthal hypocrite.