River Bend Times

U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley, the Ranking Member of the Senate Budget Committee, delivered a speech on the Senate Floor criticizing the Republican budget reconciliation process. He accused Republican leaders of employing "magic math" through the "current policy baseline," a budget approach he claims is used to show no addition to the national debt falsely. He argues this tactic is primarily intended to reduce taxes for the wealthy.

According to Sen. Merkley, the proposed policy would lead to an additional $37 trillion in national debt over the next 30 years, significantly increasing the debt's proportion to the economy by 2054. He asserted, "They are going to betray working families with attacks on health care, housing and education. Why? To give massive tax breaks to the richest Americans."

Merkley elaborated on the potential economic consequences, stating, "[The Republicans’] plan increases the deficits – massively. An additional $4 trillion over the next two years. An additional $37 trillion in debt over the next 30 years to give tax breaks to the wealthiest Americans while slashing programs for ordinary working families to thrive."

The Senator's remarks underscore a broader criticism shared by policymakers and experts across political lines, who agree that the current policy baseline could exacerbate the national debt situation.

Sen. Merkley's full speech is available online.