Notice a trend? What’s especially remarkable is that these are only the most recent tax hikes proposed by top House Democrats. I haven’t even mentioned the $15 billion in new taxes as part of the Democrats’ energy bill that would raise gas prices on consumers, or the $7.5 billion in new taxes in the Democrats’ farm bill — taxes that would threaten 5.1 million American jobs and choke off millions in investment inside the United States. And I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the largest tax increase of them all: a massive $392.5 billion tax increase on middle-class families called for in the Democrats’ very first budget under their new majority.
In each and every case, without exception, all of these tax increases lead to one thing and one thing only: more federal spending. But don’t take my word; just look at the House Democrats’ actions. So far this year, they have added $6 billion in new spending to a bill that finished the 2007 appropriations process, passed a budget that exceeded the president’s budget request by some $20 billion, added about $17 billion in additional spending to a troop funding bill, and passed several annual appropriations measures that have drawn veto threats because of excessive spending. And believe me, that’s just the start — Democrats are prepared to tax and spend their way through their entire two-year majority in Congress.
Conversely, the congressional Republican response to every fiscal challenge that arises never has been — and never will be — tax increases. While we’ve had blemishes of our own when it comes to federal spending, none of it matches the audacity and scope of what’s in store under the new Democratic majority. In response, we have presented — and will continue to present — plans that balance the budget without raising taxes, keep federal spending in check and let middle-class families keep more of their own money.
And where the president has drawn a line in the sand by promising to veto appropriations bills with wasteful and unnecessary spending this fall, House Republicans are prepared to stand up, defend it, and sustain his vetoes.
Indeed, where congressional Democrats are content to play the role of one-trick ponies, House Republicans are prepared to step into the breach, rein in out-of-control spending sprees in Washington and shine a brighter spotlight on egregious pork projects. That’s yet another important step toward earning back the majority in Congress, and we’re ready for the fight.
Originally appeared in the Washington Times