NTU urges all Senators to vote “YES” on Senator Tom Coburn’s amendments to “pay for” the extension of unemployment benefits and publicly disclose total spending exempted from so-called “PAYGO” provisions.
We reiterate that if Congress insists on providing extended unemployment benefits, those benefits should be fully offset with spending reductions. Senator Coburn’s amendment would provide for common-sense budget restraint to ensure that taxpayers don’t foot the bill for a near-permanent assistance program. Furthermore, the American people deserve to know how much of their money the Senate has agreed to spend. Displaying that information prominently on the Senate’s website, including spending that has not been offset by cuts elsewhere and information on new programs, will better enable taxpayers to participate in a vital fiscal policy debate that directly affects their future well-being.
Roll call votes on both Coburn amendments will be significantly weighted in our annual Rating of Congress.
If you have any questions, please contact
NTU Federal Government Affairs Manager Jordan Forbes at (703) 683-5700