Posted on 08/10/2011 8:50:40 AM PDT by SeekAndFind
Speaker Boehner Announces Appointments to Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction
Washington (Aug 10)
House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) today announced his intent to appoint the following three lawmakers to represent House Republicans on the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction:
House Republican Conference Chairman Jeb Hensarling (R-TX)
House Ways & Means Committee Chairman Dave Camp (R-MI)
House Energy & Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI)
Speaker Boehner has tapped Chairman Hensarling to serve as a co-chair of the joint select committee. Boehner issued the following statement regarding the appointments of Chairmen Hensarling, Camp, and Upton:
“Our debt and deficits are a threat to our economy, and America cannot achieve long-term job growth until we take action to address this crisis. In the weeks ahead, a serious, bipartisan committee of lawmakers will begin the hard but necessary work of making the tough choices needed to rein in mandatory and entitlement spending, which are the drivers of our debt. The lawmakers I have appointed to serve on this joint committee are proven leaders who have earned the trust and confidence of their colleagues and constituents. They understand the gravity of our debt crisis and I appreciate their willingness to serve on this panel.
“The two parties have fundamental differences about government and its proper role in our society. Where we've been able to agree, we have acted, and in a way consistent with the American people’s desire for a smaller, less costly, and more accountable government. Still, the differences remain, and so does the urgent work of returning our economy to creating jobs and lifting the crushing burden of debt that threatens our children’s future. This joint committee presents an opportunity for both parties to bring to the table their best ideas, debate them on the merits, and ultimately come together to do what’s best for our country. With all that’s at stake, I expect that the joint select committee will conduct its work in the open and transparent manner the American people deserve.”
But surely there are better choices out there... right? (I'm sorry to say I can't think of many - maybe one of the Great Plains reps?)
"“The Speaker has chosen three excellent Republican members to serve on this Joint Committee in Chairmen Hensarling, Upton and Camp. I asked the Speaker not to consider me for the Joint Committee, because only the Budget Committee can write legislation to reform the budget process. As Budget Committee chairman, my plan has long been to work on this critical issue throughout the fall."
So, either Ryan is lying, or you mis-heard him. I'll leave it to you do decide which of those two options you like better.
Absolutely right on all counts. I’m amazed by the number of Freepers who have fallen for Boehner’s conservative feints.
I’d take Fred Upton out of there and replace him with Paul Ryan (why was he not even considered?) or Connie Mack
There was a rumor that if you voted against the bill you couldn't server on the committee so that would take several "TeaParty" types out of the running.
My congressman (Walberg) is a second time freshman. He did vote for the debt ceiling increase but actually has a strong record of cutting spending. (Primarily regulatory agency funding)
He asked not to be. See #62.
“So, either Ryan is lying, or you mis-heard him. I’ll leave it to you do decide which of those two options you like better.”
I prefer door number 3. Saving face.
Pols do that. And I know what I saw and heard.
At GRADEGOV.COM,
Hensarling (TX) is a “B” behind 81 others with higher ratings.
Camp (MI) is a “B” (MI) behind 126 others with higher ratings.
Upton (MI) is a “C” behind 201 others with higher ratings.
Wonder why Boner picked only 1 guy from the South? Suppose it’s because it’s a hotbed of Tea Party sentiment?? Can’t have too many “hobbits” on the panel.
Yes, Senator Toomey is totally associated w Tea Party.
Ryan wasn’t selected so that the committee didn’t devolve into the Mediscare campaign against Ryan. Plus, Ryan has enough on his plate with FY 12 budget just getting started.
Hensarling is so conservative that he is known as Phil Gramm’s third son.
These are satisfactory picks.
The committee will fail by design, the House wont raise taxes any more than House democrats cutting entitlement spending. The trigger will go into effect with total defense cuts at $1T. Then the new congress and possibly president can decide what to do with those cuts and (all of) the Bush tax cuts expiration.
Good. Glad Ryan opted out. I know Ryan’s budget committee has a change from “baseline budgeting” (7.5% automatic increases) to “zero-base budgeting” (every $1 must be justified) in the works. Better that he stay where he can do the most good.
I’m hoping you’re right.
Perhaps Ryan will be the “brains” providing input without drawing fire.
Upton voted to raise taxes on people who make money and hire people.
He is a DISASTROUS choice. The other two are okay.
I agree! That moron is a tool and I have 0 faith he will hold the line. Why would Boehner not put Paul Ryan on this committee. He is the Republicans expert on fiscal matters. I am not happy.
I heard someone refer to this “Gang of 12” as The Politboro.
I’d trade Camp & Upton for Walberg & McCotter in a heartbeat. McCotter’s prez run makes him a tough selection, though.
Those tax “loopholes” include the home mortgage deduction, which has been in place since the income tax was enacted in 1913.
Making the middle class pay more and making their homes worth less is an UNACCEPTABLE tax increase on the middle class and the red line that better not be crossed, if the Republican party wishes to survive.
Today's statement says he asked not to be considered.
When did he speak to Cavuto?
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