POLITICS

The Debt Crisis: Harry Reid - Author of Default?
Democrats Strategy Causes Negotiations to Breakdown

Friday, July 22, 2011, 8:25 pm, Central

Washington's Spending & Debt Problem

Solution: Cut, Cap, and Balance!

Welcome to the Weekly Wrap. I’m Diane Collins.

"The Weekly Wrap" will extend its coverage through Sunday once again.

America's debt crisis moved closer to potential "default" today when Senate Majority Leader, Harry Reid (D-NV) motioned to table HR 2560, The Cut, Cap and Balance Act of 2011. This, after Reid had said he would bring the bill to the floor for a vote "sometime Saturday." In an arrogant manner unbecoming his position, Reid referred to HR 2560 as a bill "without merit" saying it was "interfering with the negotiations" between the Speaker and the President. Reid let it be known his purpose was to ensure Republicans understood his intention was to "move this piece of legislation off the floor..." that "...the bill has expired. It's gone." This was before any vote took place.

Reid threatened Democrats who might be considering HR 2560 saying he would ..."look at every vote cast. Anyone who votes for it will have to respond..." Reid couldn't seem to stop himself calling The Cut, Cap and Balance Act the "worst piece of legislation to come to the floor of the Senate..." But, when he said it "violates the spirit of the Constitution" I was ready to jump through the computer screen. November 2012 won't come soon enough...

Sen. Kent Conrad, (D-ND)

Rails Against Cut, Cap and Balance

Activities in the Senate proceeded to slide as Sen. Kent Conrad, (D-ND), Chairman of the Senate Banking Committee and member of the infamous "Gang of Six" mischaracterized Cut, Cap and Balance. He told anyone listening the balanced budget amendment portion of the bill would cap spending at 18% of GDP. No it doesn't. Rep. Jason Chaffetz, (R-UT) made sure he pointed out in the House Rules Committee when Van Hollen grilled him that the "balanced budget portion" didn't specify any particular balanced budget proposal and that it was a point for collaboration. The 18% was a historic average. Conrad obviously missed that memo, or found his talking points more advantageous than the truth. Conrad continued to deride the bill quoting a nameless adviser to Ronald Reagan and finished with the statement that he had, "...never seen a more unprofessional piece of legislation." Of course, we've never seen his "Gang of Six" proposal. Why? It isn't even in legislative language. Conrad has no bill. In fact, he had to admit what the "Gang of Six" was working on couldn't be worked through before the August 2nd [X-Date]. Why do Democrats find it so easy to criticize those who actually do their jobs?

The Cut, Cap and Balance Act of 2011 was defeated by a motion to table 51 to 46 with Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) a "no show" along with Gillibrand (D-NY) and Kerry (D-MA). As the day played on the intensity between the parties caused talks to break down. Apparently, Obama feeling he had the upper hand with Boehner after the dismissal of Cut, Cap and Balance tried to "move the goal post" by tying a $400B tax increase to the negotiations. The strategy was clear. What Harry Reid did today as Senate Majority Leader earned him the title "Author of Default." It began with you, Harry on the Senate floor today. It was political. It was personal. It was arrogant and it was wrong.

Contact: Representatives, Contact: Senators

POLITICS

The Debt Crisis: Harry Reid - Author of Default? Democrats Strategy Causes Negotiations to Breakdown

Further Reading:

The Debt Crisis: Harry Reid - Author of Default?
Democrats Strategy Causes Negotiations to Breakdown