Rep. Bill Pascrell on the Republican substitute:
"This substitute continues the practice of providing tax cuts for the wealthiest American and it ain't going to happen anymore."
From the Committee on Ways and Means:
The Republican substitute amendment to H.R. 1, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, would eliminate meaningful tax relief to middle-class families and deny critical benefits those who have lost their jobs and health insurance due to the economic crisis. Further, the GOP substitute fails to create jobs by eliminating critical investments in America's infrastructure, Health IT, and renewable energy technology. Finally, the GOP bill claims to offer "relief" from the alternative minimum tax (AMT), when in fact their "relief" would still force 26 million Americans to pay higher taxes this year under the AMT.
"The Republican substitute cuts nearly all forms of assistance to middle-class families struggling during the downturn," said Charles B. Rangel (D-NY), Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee. "It gives $48 billion in tax cuts to those who are prospering even in this economic downturn, lobbyists on K Street, lawyers, and high-paid professionals, while denying critical assistance to the people who work for them."
According to a Center on Budget and Policy Priorities analysis, roughly 23 million lower-income taxpayers would receive nothing at all under the GOP substitute, compared to legislation written by House Democrats which would cut taxes for 95% of all working families under the "Making Work Pay" credit.
ELIMINATES ASSISTANCE TO STRUGGLING AMERICANS
Eliminates the "Making Work Pay" tax credit that will provide 95% of working families with a tax cut. Under the Republican substitute, only about the top fifth (21%) of households would get the full tax cut.
Eliminates tax relief for 16 million children by striking the child tax credit improvements.
Eliminates the "American Opportunity" tax credit that will provide tax relief for more than 4 million students.
Eliminates COBRA Provisions that would help maintain health insurance for people who have lost their jobs in this recession.
ELIMINATES INVESTMENTS IN NEW JOBS & TECHNOLOGY
The Republican substitute would completely eliminate $550 billion in targeted priority investments included in H.R. 1 for (1) clean, efficient, American energy, (2) transforming our economy with science and technology, (3) modernizing roads, bridges, transit and waterways, (4) education for the 21st century, (5) lowering healthcare costs, (6) helping workers hurt by the economy and (7) saving public sector jobs and protect vital services.
Eliminates investments in clean, efficient, American energy
Eliminates investments in Health IT
Eliminates projects to modernize schools, roads, bridges, transit and waterways
Ok, I get it. They are against everything and for themselves and their buddies-- so NOTHING has changed for them. Losing the majority, running the worst election campaigns in recent history, losing the white house... and their soul searching reflection has lead them to the conclusion that they should just do more of the same and screw the American people. I wish the midterms were this year, so we could get rid of even more of them.
Are plan is going to be forced through-- screw any "across the aisle outreach." We should learn from this... all the concessions that were made mean NOTHING to the GOP.
UPDATE: HOUSE VOTE The final vote on the Dem Stimulus package (not the dumb ass gop substitute) was 244-188 Passing. 11 Democrats voted against. No Republicans voted in favor.
You can read the vote roll call here.
