***This is the third of several communications to the Senate NTU intends to make during the course of the budget debate. ***
As the Senate considers S. Con. Res. 11, the Concurrent Resolution on the Budget for Fiscal Year 2016, NTU urges all Senators to vote as follows:
- “YES” on Flake Amendment #665: This amendment would prohibit the federal government from awarding contracts based on participating in project labor agreements.
- “YES” on Flake Amendment #666: This amendment would eliminate crop insurance premium subsidies for those earning more than $750,000, steering assistance only toward those who need it and saving taxpayers money.
- “YES” on Flake Amendment #667: This amendment would prevent individuals from receiving both Social Security Disability Insurance and unemployment benefits at the same time, saving $1.2 billion over ten years.
- “YES” on Flake Amendment #669: This amendment would rescind the remaining $4.2 billion in Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Loan Program credit subsidies. The Government Accountability Office recommended this elimination due to lack of demand.
- “YES” on Flake Amendment #668: This amendment would reduce waste and increase efficiencies in the Federal government by applying performance data and other impartial methodologies to avoid duplication, improve performance, and identify savings.
- “YES” on Flake Amendment #674: This amendment would prohibit taxpayer funds from further subsidizing the waste-ridden, money-losing Amtrak food and beverage service.
- “YES” on Flake Amendment #671: This amendment would eliminate funding for premium subsidies on any federal crop insurance policy with a Harvest Price Option, a taxpayer subsidized golden parachute for farmers. This would save $18.9 billion over ten years according to the Congressional Budget Office, while leaving standard crop insurance intact.
- “YES” on Flake Amendment #677: This amendment would prevent the IRS from restricting the speech and activities of 501(c)4 organizations. Many have expressed concerns that unfair treatment of these organizations by the IRS could hinder their ability to hold elected officials more accountable.
Roll call votes on the above amendments to S. Con. Res. 11 will be included in our annual Rating of Congress.
If you have any questions, please contact NTU Federal Affairs Manager Nan Swift at (703) 683-5700