Lowey Statement on Discretionary Spending Levels

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to the rule, which would deem the discretionary spending levels in the Ryan budget as law.

The Ryan budget endorses sequestration and is unrealistic, unworkable, and economically misguided. The Senate and White House are using a different set of numbers. By adopting the rule and the Ryan budget, and breaking caps in the Budget Control Act, we guarantee gridlock. The House majority will pass a small number of bills at roughly the President's requested levels, but will be unable to get bipartisan support for the remaining bills.

It would also jeopardize our economic recovery. Europeans are experiencing the limits of austerity in the midst of a fragile recovery. We should invest more in education, biomedical research, transportation infrastructure, clean energy, and other initiatives that grow our economy and create jobs. Instead, the deeming resolution would take a step back, all but ensuring significant reductions.

To turn off the sequester, ensure the House's relevance in the process, and pass reasonable bills, Democrats offered in Committee a motion to postpone consideration of subcommittee allocations until a budget resolution could be conferenced. With a balanced deficit reduction plan, we could establish an alternative allocation that would sufficiently fund our priorities and allow us to follow regular order for the appropriations process.

Instead of engaging in a futile exercise, the House should abide by the discretionary caps in the Budget Control Act and turn off the sequester before we consider spending bills.

Vote no on the rule.