River Bend Times

U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley, a key member of the Senate Budget Committee, expressed strong criticism following the release of the Senate and House Republicans' new budget proposal. Merkley highlighted the potential consequences of the proposal, which he claims could increase the national debt significantly while reducing critical programs.

According to Merkley, the proposed budget includes the extension of the Trump-era tax cuts, estimated to contribute over $4.6 trillion to the debt over the next decade and $37 trillion over thirty years. Merkley argues that the budget employs the “current policy baseline,” a method he describes as a gimmick, to obscure the impact of this debt increase.

Merkley criticized the proposal for its drastic reductions in programs potentially affecting health care, education, and national security. He noted, “Their plan: families lose, billionaires win,” emphasizing that the cuts are expected to redirect $1.5 trillion towards tax benefits for the wealthy.

The Senator also highlighted concerns about transparency and fiscal responsibility. He criticized the alleged misuse of section 312 of the Budget Act to artificially alter debt projections, stating, “This is fraud. It is a massive disservice to legitimate debate.”

Merkley argued the necessity of maintaining accurate and non-partisan financial assessments, citing the historical use of the current law baseline since 1974. He reiterated the importance of the Byrd rule, designed to ensure deficit neutrality or reduction beyond a ten-year forecast.

Merkley concluded his statement by reflecting on the broader impact of the proposal, asserting that it betrays commitments to middle-class families. “Only one thing comes from Republican passage of this bill: families lose, billionaires win,” he stated.