McConnell Appoints Kyl, Toomey, Portman, to Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction

Mitch McConnel's Official Website ^ | 08/10/2011

[SeekAndFind]

LOUISVILLE, KY – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell Wednesday announced his appointments to the 12-member Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction tasked with reducing the deficit by $1.5 trillion more than the cuts already identified in the Budget Control Act. McConnell appointed Sens. Jon Kyl (R-Ariz.), Pat Toomey (R-Pa.), and Rob Portman (R-Ohio).

“Chronic joblessness, out-of-control deficits and debt, and an unprecedented credit downgrade represent an historic challenge but also an historic opportunity for lawmakers in Washington to show they can work together on a plan that puts America back on the path to prosperity. All three of these appointees understand the gravity of our situation and all three will bring the kind of responsibility, creativity, and thoughtfulness that the moment requires. The American people know that we cannot dig ourselves out of this situation by nibbling around the edges, and I am confident that each of these nominees can be counted on to propose solutions that put the interests of all Americans ahead of any one political party.”

The bipartisan, bicameral select committee is a central part of the new Budget Control Act and is tasked with reducing the deficit by at least $1.5 trillion over the next 10 years. The 12-member committee is equally divided among Senate Republicans, Senate Democrats, House Republicans and House Democrats. The panel must vote on legislation by November 23. Legislation reported from the committee will receive expedited consideration in both chambers and be voted on by December 23.

If the committee produces legislation that achieves $1.2 trillion or greater in savings and that legislation is enacted into law, the President would then have the authority to request a debt limit increase of an equal amount (subject to disapproval & veto), capped at $1.5 trillion. Should the committee fail to agree on legislation, or if that legislation is not passed and signed into law by the President, a sequester mechanism would trigger automatic cuts. However, the sequester was designed by both parties to create a strong incentive for the committee to succeed. Depending on the deficit reduction enacted by the Joint Committee, the total debt limit increase could be at least $2.1 trillion but not more than $2.4 trillion.

“My main criteria for selecting members was to identify serious, constructive senators who are interested in achieving a result that helps to get our nation’s fiscal house in order,” McConnell said. “That means reforming entitlement programs that are the biggest drivers of our debt, and reforming the tax code in a way that makes us more competitive and leads to more American jobs. The goal is to achieve a result that convinces Americans and the world that we’re committed as a nation to prosperity for all our citizens.”

Sen. Jon Kyl was elected unanimously by his colleagues in 2008 to serve as Republican Whip, the second highest position in Senate Republican leadership. He is a senior member of the Finance Committee and a leading advocate of pro-growth tax policies. Kyl is in his third term in the Senate after serving four terms in the House of Representatives. He was the Senate Republicans’ lead negotiator in the deficit reduction talks led by the Vice President over the summer.

Sen. Pat Toomey is a member of the Budget, Banking, Commerce and Joint Economic Committees and has been a leader on economic, financial services, and budgetary issues. Toomey is in his first term in the Senate after serving three terms in the House of Representatives. Sen. Toomey has run a small business and served as the president of The Club for Growth.

Sen. Rob Portman will be the only former Director of the Office of Management and Budget on the Joint Committee. He is a member of the Budget Committee and serves on the Subcommittee on Federal Financial Management (Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee). Sen. Portman is in his first term in the Senate. He served in the House of Representatives from 1993 to 2005 when he became the U.S. Trade Representative. While serving in the House of Representatives, he served as Vice Chair of the House Budget Committee and as a member of the House Ways & Means Committee. In 1997, Portman co-chaired the National Commission on Restructuring the Internal Revenue Service with Senator Bob Kerrey of Nebraska.

[dervish]

That cuts both ways.

I have been thinking that the best Presidential candidate would be one who would pledge one term only so that he/she can attack entitlements.

[traintown57]

My picks would have been Cantor, Paul and Bachmann from the House, in that order. IMO, Cantor is a fighter and isn’t afraid of Obama’s public opinion bluffs. I think he takes his oath to the Constitution seriously and isn’t afraid to lace up the gloves to defend it.

[CharlesWayneCT]

Interesting, here’s the 2010/lifetime ratings for the democrats:

John Kerry: 0%, 5%
Pat Murray: 0%, 2.59%
Max Baucus: 14.5%, 12%

So, the average ACU rating for democrats so far is 6.53%.
The average ACU for republicans is: 90.71

On the liberal side, the Americans for Democratic Action ratings:

Kyl: 5%
Toomey, Portman: no rating
Camp: 15%
Upton: 30%
Hensarling: 0%
Kerry: 95%
MUrray: 95%
Baucus: 85%

Republicans: 12.5%
Democrats: 91.67%

So by both measures, the democrats so far are more ideological than the republicans. But I bet the story will be how the democrats picked “pragmatic” people (and Baucus will be called conservative despite his 12%ACU/85%ADA rating). The Republicans are already being accused of appointing “conservatives”, and ideologues, even though I doubt any democrat is going to have Upton’s numbers.

If the republicans are assured that these picks will do the right thing, it might be a clever strategy to attempt to diffuse blame for the tea party in sinking the committee work. I doubt it matters, because the media will just make up what they want anyway.

[CharlyFord]

Better than Boehner's picks.

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The first three names out of the El Paso phone book would be better than Reid's picks.

[Personal Responsibility]

I was talking about the pols on the committee. Should have been clearer, sorry bout that.

[SueRae]

I am very pleased tha Toomey is there, even though I think the whole idea of a ‘uber Congress’ is a smokescreen. I would like to see him debate horseface on TV. I wonder if C-Span will be allowed in that room when they meet...

[CPT Clay]

Looks like a good selection to Me.

[eaglestar]

Portman has a liberal rating of 0.

[j.havenfarm]

While driving last night I heard CNN radio describe Kerry and Baucus as being known for working with the other side. I just about ran into a tree.

[CPT Clay]

When Portman was in the House, he was head of budget, Paul Ryan's mentor. He was Director of OMB for W. He understands the budget. This is a very good choice by McConnell.

Upton was the worst choice of the R's because of the light bulb thing. Supposedly he got religion when he was vehemently opposed for his chairmanship. Off topic, his niece is HOT>

Somebody post a picture of Kate.

[CPT Clay]

Baucus is not retiring. If anything, he is a mistake by Reid. since he is from Montana (a red state) and running for reelection.

He will be an excellent target for 2014!!!!!!

[SeekAndFind]

RE: Looks like a good selection to Me.

I personally prefer Rand Paul for the Budget Committee over John Kyl. Rand Paul is one of the brainchilds behind the PENNY PLAN (a no frills budget hat actually works)

[SeekAndFind]

RE: Looks like a good selection to Me.

I personally prefer Rand Paul for the Budget Committee over John Kyl. Rand Paul is one of the brainchilds behind the PENNY PLAN (a no frills budget that actually works)

[Lazlo in PA]

Upton said he got religion, but he won't let the repeal bill out of conference for the bulb bill. I Googled Kate Upton. Holy Cow. She is hot.

[SeekAndFind]

KATE UPTON: NIECE OF CONGRESSMAN FRED UPTON ( just following rules --- you shouldn't have mentioned Kate ).

[CPT Clay]

I would prefer better too.

[zeebee]

Toomey was Tea Party before there was a Tea Party. His mission was to out the RINO Specter.

Actually calling Specter a RINO is being kind.

[ken5050]

It's a Dem talking point....

BTW..you know now that pelosi will pick a womna, ablack and a latino...for diversity..

[Colonel_Flagg]

If it usurps the Constitutional responsibility of the House to originate spending bills, I would believe it’s unconstitutional. There may also be equal representation issues.

The House is ours and it needs to drive the spending debate, both constitutionally and as a matter of conservative public policy.

[clintonh8r]

Those would have been my choices too.