NTU urges all Representatives to vote“NO” on H.R. 3671, the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2012.
Earlier this year NTU expressed support for passage ofthe “Path to Prosperity” Budget Resolution – an innovative blueprint for asmaller, more manageable government. However, set against the backdrop of ourenormous national debt, even the Path to Prosperity’s approach would have onlymade moderate progress toward a sustainable budget. Unfortunately, H.R. 3671takes a detour from this path, cutting a mere $6 billion from last year’s grosslyinflated appropriations levels. Although this is obviously preferable to themassive spending hikes seen in recent years, the amount of reduction remainstrivial and is certainly not in keeping with promises to restrain out-of-controlexpenditures. Furthermore, when $8.1 billion of emergency funding contained incompanion legislation is factored in, Washington will actually spend more thanlast year, despite months of haggling over how to trim the federal budget.
NTU also remains disappointed by the travesty that is thelegislative process for this end-of-year appropriations package. Giving Membersbut a few hours to review a 1,200-page “must-pass” bill thatcontains more than $1 trillion in spending stands in stark contrast to pledgesof transparency and openness made by House leaders during the last electioncycle.
Roll callvotes on H.R. 3671 will be significantly weighted in our annual Ratingof Congress and a “NO” vote will be considered the pro-taxpayer position.
If you have any questions, please contact NTU Federal Government Affairs Manager Brandon Greife at(703) 683-5700