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A Further Perspective
Ryan Takes the Point on Fiscal Reform
More than a good start for House Republicans.
With the national debt now topping $14 trillion, up from $13 trillion just seven months ago, and a Gallup poll revealing the outgoing Democratic Congress to have among the lowest average approval ratings recorded in the last two decades, it is a great relief to hear that incoming House Republicans are planning to cut funding of their legislative offices by 5 percent. They are also cutting the House Appropriations Committee budget by 9 percent. Both actions are part of new House Speaker John A. Boehner’s commitment to reduce $35 million from Congress’s very own administrative budget.
All this comes in addition to the GOP’s ban on federal earmarks and an overall reduction in the number of House appropriators from 60 committee members to 50. A good start, as they say.
But there is more. The House Republicans are going to enact new rules “to make it harder to tax and spend,” writes the Wall Street Journal editorial page. The GOP will, among other things, replace the Democrats’ often ignored “paygo” approach with a “cut as you go” requirement in which increases in mandatory spending — for new and existing entitlements — must be matched by spending cuts in an equal or greater amount elsewhere in the budget.
Another encouraging aspect of the new rules package is the empowerment of Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI), the new Budget Committee Chairman, the point on budget reform, to impose budget limits, on his own, for the current fiscal year.
Speaker Pelosi and her colleagues did not pass a budget resolution last year, thereby failing to give House Appropriators any spending targets. Thus, Chairman Ryan’s authority is only temporary, ending once a new budget resolution is finally passed by the new Congress.
Ryan notes that this authority was previously granted to the Budget Chairman in the late 1990s.
While conceding that the current “deep fiscal hole is the result of bipartisan failure over the years,” Ryan observes that the last two consecutive years have seen trillion dollar deficits with the Democrats not even proposing a budget for the current fiscal year — “the first time this has happened since 1974, when the modern congressional budget process was established.”
It should be recalled that Paul Ryan is the only legislator in either the House or Senate who has proposed a comprehensive package to reform entitlements, taxes and health care simultaneously.
Ryan says “we will clean up the fiscal wreckage left by the House Democrats, setting spending limits for the remainder of FY 2011 at pre-stimulus, pre-bailout levels for non-security discretionary spending.” That is to say he intends to return spending to 2008 levels which is considerably more ambitious than simply making “a good start.”
A House GOP aide has commented to me that “the Federal government is operating with no budget, no priorities, and no restraints.”
“House Republicans intend to follow through on their pledge to restore limits to the explosive growth of government, and advance a fiscally responsible, pro-growth reform agenda,” says this aide. May it ever be so.
My Democratic friends bombard me with graphs and article showing how fiscally irresponsible the GOP was on spending, expansion of entitlements, and an over-indulgence in deficit spending during the years in which it controlled both Congress and the White House. They will get no argument from me.
I can only pray that, under the leadership of Speaker Boehner (who, I might add, never sought an earmark during all his years in Congress) and Chairman Ryan, the Republican caucus will undergo a sustained reformation bringing with it fiscal integrity and spending restraint, nay, reductions.
So far, it looks promising. Happy New Year!
About the Author
G. Tracy Mehan, III served at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in the administrations of both Presidents Bush. He is a consultant in Arlington, Virginia, and an adjunct professor at George Mason University School of Law.
Letter to the Editor View all comments (40) | Leave a comment
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Bill Hussein O'Stalin| 1.6.11 @ 6:47AM
If Ryan can pull this off, he will become a national hero.
Bill Hussein O'Stalin| 1.6.11 @ 6:47AM
If Ryan can pull this off, he will become a national hero.
Brian Mc| 1.6.11 @ 8:56AM
Bill,
Though, I agree, Ryan's attempts are just another regrain from "The Government Know Best". Without complete abolishment of several agencies, commissions, services, departments, committees, administrations, ad nauseum we will continue to flounder and wonder why. This is a rescue mission of gargantuan proportions and to say I am skeptical would be an understatement.
Brian Mc| 1.6.11 @ 8:57AM
Of course, I meant "refrain"...darned fingers!
Eric Cartman| 1.6.11 @ 1:57PM
The Republicans just killed off the Global Warming Committee! Things are looking up! Keep it going, guys and gals!
saleboter| 1.6.11 @ 7:57AM
Everytime the pubbies 'cut' something the demos and the MSM (but I repeat myself) will trot out some poor waif who will lose some 'benefit' from the federal largesse showing the pubbies to be evil destroyers of peoples lives.
This needs to be countered with "do we need to borrow money from the Chinese to fund this?"
Brooklyn Dave| 1.6.11 @ 3:12PM
Most of the time that poor waif is some bureaucrat employee by the usless agency.
Lullabys, Legends and Lies| 1.6.11 @ 8:33AM
Where does Rep. Ryan stand on raising the debt ceiling? I hope he's against raising it even one cent!! If he really believes what he's saying, and thinks he's the guy with the plan to reverse it, then he has to be against it. It's beyond sickening the way we are going, drug addicts make better decisions than our Government does. We spent $54,084 per second in the last 214 days (ending on 31 Dec 2010), and if you follow the link below, you can see what that looks like, and it's disgusting!! We're not like Greece or Ireland, if we go down, we take everybody with us, a World in complete chaos.
http://latimesblogs.latimes.co.....-2010.html
Nanette| 1.6.11 @ 9:49PM
If you want to know Mr. Ryan's views you can find them here. I believe he has a good plan if corrupt politicians (rep. or dem.) don't get in his way.
Nanette| 1.6.11 @ 9:49PM
http://www.roadmap.republicans.budget.house.gov/
Clint| 1.6.11 @ 8:50AM
We Tea Party Rebels want Ryan, Boehner & The GOP Hired Help to "Walk The Talk ".
The Tea Party Rebellion Is Now Inside & Outside The Congress.
Carpe Diem.
Mimi| 1.6.11 @ 9:39AM
I don't know about you GUYS....But since yesterday, watching C-Span seeing the NEW GUYS sworn in....What a relief I felt!
Yea Boehner, teared-up...but so did I !!! Our only task now is to call the "O" on the carpet with strength and BOLDNESS and the MEDIA be darned !! They don't have a right to any respect...any more.
God Bless to all our newly elected " SERVANTS" and thank-you from a very GRATEFUL citizen for your willingness to serve !!
Brooklyn Dave| 1.6.11 @ 3:14PM
I would have loved to bop Pelosi over the head with that gavel.
Gary| 1.6.11 @ 10:11AM
Brian Mc is correct. I won't believe we're on the road back to America until the conservatives kill off at least one useless federal agency (education, energy, etc.). That's my acid test. All the rest is bandaids, duct tape and bailing wire.
Brian Mc| 1.6.11 @ 10:24AM
Gary,
I appreciate the vote of confidence and will add, watch out for trolls who might use your monicor; we see it happen here quite often. I like to think that most who read hear know my style of expression and long-windedness and would spot an impostor a might quicker than a "Gary"...impersonator.
Brian Mc| 1.6.11 @ 10:26AM
Speaking of which, has anyone heard from "P" brain lately?
Eric Cartman| 1.6.11 @ 10:37AM
Anything that the Constitution doesn't grant the Federal Government power to do, get rid of. The catchup monitors, the sexual harassment counselors, the Gay, Lesbian, Trans-Gender, Gerbil Lover Response Team and Monitors, etc. Getting rid of all the bullshit agencies that have popped up to enforce all the bullshit laws that Pelosi has written in the past four years would be a great start. Let's start there and get some momentum for the biggies like education (which educates not a single person).
VBMax| 1.6.11 @ 12:58PM
Yup, and that "hate crimes" legislation has gotta go too.
Eric Cartman| 1.6.11 @ 1:16PM
I don't know about that, VB. I mean, I want to know when a murderer loves his victim and when he hates his victim. Seems like a reasonable thing to know. That way, we can add Moe Slaps to his sentence as he's being escorted to the death chamber if he hated the person he killed. STOP THE HATE OR GET MOE SLAPPED, TOO!
Impeach Don't Wait| 1.6.11 @ 3:14PM
“Anything that the Constitution doesn't grant the Federal Government power to do, get rid of.”
Some Democrats can’t stand the “new” emphasis on the Constitution. Doesn’t that just figure? I think it's great because: 1) it will continue to irk the Democrats thereby perpetually revealing how totally unconcerned they are with FOLLOWING the Constitution in the first place--and thus how unfit for American governance they really are, 2) it’s a great way to set the proper tone of governance and is the right “justification” for Republicans to chop-chop-chop as hopefully they will, and 3) it will keep all our noses pointed in the right direction and begin to clear our heads of the notion that Government is a charity.
Jo Powers| 1.6.11 @ 12:30PM
Ronald Reagan said," No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth!" We need to reign in these government bureaus that are allowed to rule over and around our judicial system. They are compromizing our freedoms and killing our jobs! I believe they need to be accountable to someone.
IzeHavitt| 1.6.11 @ 10:47PM
It is this observer's contention that, one area where serious streamlining is due, is the alphabet soup of security agencies that have been allowed to spring up over the years. A more classic example of the "right hand not knowing what the left hand is doing" is the director of DNI being unaware of the very recent British efforts at thwarting another terrorist operation. I cannot believe that this amalgamam of agencies that have been foisted on us, is the best way to handle our security needs. We need to force them to consolidate their efforts, and enhance national security and fiscal prudence at the same time.
Maryland Lady| 1.7.11 @ 11:08AM
Brilliantly stated.
davelnaf| 1.6.11 @ 3:34PM
As just about everyone has pointed out ad infinitum: dems are determined to bust the government bank because this is the only way they can get a VAT. With a VAT they can at last bring on their dreamed of socialist paradise. With a VAT they can “control the people”—another long standing goal. Their parallel argument for a VAT is that only with its torrent of money can they save the country from fiscal disaster that they have largely engineered.
Also, some ninety percent of the Washington bureaucracy is pining for a VAT and believes that it is within reach. It has always believed that a VAT was the next logical step in the way this government funds itself. It believes that the implementation of a VAT has been prevented only by reactionary Republicans. They will fight tooth and nail for a VAT.
This is what Congressman Ryan and his colleagues are up against.
idalily| 1.6.11 @ 4:09PM
The cool part, if one can call it that, is that European countries all have VAT and they are going broke, one by one. I think (hope) there's sufficient ammo there to counter any screaming for a VAT.
Purpleguy| 1.6.11 @ 7:17PM
Smoke and Mirrors. Anyone who was able to watch the new Speaker in the House y'day and Paul Ryan's discussion today on CPAN will know that the back-pedaling has already begun.
1) The Republican pledge to trim 100 billion from the budget the first year has gone by the wayside. Even though the R's were perfectly aware there was no new Budget resolution and that the Continuing Resolution would continue the current spending until some time frame into 2011, which is now March, they happily ignored that. Backpedaling y'day and today, they are scaling back there spending cut plans to 30 Billion out of 3 Trillion+ budget! Wow! And, I might add, no specifics on what to cut.
2) When asked about whether Social Security and other entitlements spending cuts would be in the new Budget Resolution to come, Ryan said "No, because I don't have the baseline from CBO yet" ... in spite of the fact that the House with new rules removed the CBO as binding the House to the CBO's non-partisan scoring process for new spending's impact on the budget. What a sham !
I can't imagine THIS is what we voted for, especially the Tea Party. A 0.1 % reduction in spending over the next year? Really? And, no commitment on entitlement spending reductions?
Meanwhile, the Obama administration and Democrats have trimmed the budget deficit from 1.4 Trillion from Bush's last budget to the current 1.2 Trillion deficit - with little fanfare or credit.
Hmmm, 200 Billion trimmed in 1 year vs. 30 Billion now from the R's ... that's fiscal discipline from the R's ?
It's all smoke and mirrors and misinformation folks, while the R's enjoy their win and power, all the while cozying up to the feeding trough of the Lobbyists and Corporatocracy, starting with a major fundraiser the first night! Good Grief, the Tea Party has been bagged. Have a nice day.
Doubtergal| 1.6.11 @ 9:57PM
Hmm... outgoing CONGRESS trimmed 200 billion from 1.4 Trillion they crammed down our throats at Pelosi's behest and we should be GRATEFUL??? Can't blame it all on the lame duck outgoing President.
Oldefarte| 1.6.11 @ 10:38PM
Purple, Democrats are as capable of reducing governmental spending as a pedifile is of remaining celebate inside a day nursery! Stop spreading your BULLEXCREMENT and lies. You liberal Democrats are nothing but liars and couldn't tell the TRUTH if your life depended upon same. No one believes you anyway, so why do you people continue to speak your horseexcrement? Try telling same to your stupid, indigent constituents of the Democratic Party, who live for your brainwashing and propaganda, but don't try it here. It and you are a JOKE! Try telling the TRUTH, that Democrats have historically increased governmental spending to obtain their indigent constituents' votes. Your current president [and his Democrat lackeys] has spent triple the amount spent by his predecessor, and demanded that taxpayers pay more in order to pay for this tripling of governmental spending. This resulted in 11/2/10, and will continue with the SHILLACKING in November of 2012 when he/they are defeated and brandished from Washington DC. Tell the GD TRUTH!!!!!!!!
Purpleguy| 1.6.11 @ 11:27PM
So, you did or did not hear the Speaker of the House backtrack or not? Did you also hear the new Chairman of the House Budget Committee backtrack or not? Swallowing what they promised and when they specifically change what they promised in clear, unmitigated glory, denying they are full of hypocrisy simply means you are not paying attention.
As for truth, Obama and the Democrats gave you the largest tax cut in history - but you missed it didn't ya?
As for increased spending, who did the Democrats spend the money on? YOU, you lameo and all the rest of you, your families and friends that complain while happily living in this country that provides for you.
What is wrong with this country started with Reaganomics. You have no counter for David Stockman himself downgrading Reaganomics? How about Alan Greenspan admitting his mistakes in allowing the economy and the 600 Trillion Market for Credit Default Swaps, etc.reach such unrealistic bubble levels.
Again, you don't know the facts, but you BELIEVE the BS pumped out by the right wing Corporatists - to your own and your kids and grandkids detriment.
You don't have to complain to me when you don't like the facts that counter your own closely held beliefs.
You may rant about Socialism being some big bad bogieman - fine. No one is pushing socialism. We are already a socialist country, you missed that too, I guess. So that point is moot.
This country nearly fell into a Great Depression, and thanks to GW Bush (did I say that), the Democratic Congress and Barack Obama, this country avoided that horrible crisis. Did you think that cost nothing? Bush authorized and signed 700 Billion of that 1.4 Trillion you dislike so much. So how did the Democrats and Obama triple what they spent? Who told you that - Rush Loudmouth? 400 million dollar Rush Loudmouth? Wonder why he wants tax cuts? To increase his ability to create jobs? Don't be so dense. They (the super rich, connected, and corporatists) have you hornswoggled and they are LAUGHING, LAUGHING at you, all the way to the bank - and you happily defend them? Really?
Did you ever realize that we tried a smaller Federal Government - it was called the Articles of Confederation - the document that preceded the current US Constitution. Hamilton, Jefferson, Madison and the other founders rejected our first constitution because the States were too powerful, which resulted in multiple currencies, border disputes, no ability to protect the country as a whole and many other issues that caused a lot of pain in the beginning of our country. The US Constitution was specifically written to create a STRONG federal government, and so we have one. Our freedoms are codified by the Bill of Rights, as they should be, but not all powers of the government, nor all the rights reserved to the people are written into the US Constitution - Did you know that?
So you see, the world is not all D's bad, R's good or vice versa. I would suggest you read the Federalist Papers - not just excepts picked out and repeated endlessly to make a point - out of context. I'm guessing you don't understand all of this, nor do you care - but at least I tried to save your civic soul.... have a nice day.
Lu D| 1.6.11 @ 11:13PM
Paul Ryan is one smart straight shooter. He is not my Rep.,but is in the next District. I have spoken to him many times and have been to his Townhall meetings and have heard speak at many Republican gatherings. He is probably one of the most honest and real person I know. Give these men and women a Chance for heaven's sake. If anyone thinks they can do better please run for office we need you. This is going to take time and patience, we din't get here over night and it will take time to right this ship. Our job will be to call our legislatures and keep an eye one them. Stop the nit picking and look at the big picture.
Ken| 1.6.11 @ 11:23PM
The GOP must be committed to this fiscal reform for several years, not a few weeks or months. I won't be impressed until real, positive results have been recorded. They've talked a good game before, but have rarely come through.
Lu d| 1.6.11 @ 11:54PM
Just heard Paul Ryan on the Mark Levin show. Go to www.marklevinshow.com and listen to the podcast. Very good and lots of insight.
Macwell| 1.7.11 @ 11:26AM
I agree, we need to give these people time. It'll probably take a year for lawyers to figure out how to repeal the healthcare law. Because they used aggressive estimates of savings, you lefties want to hang em. Too bad you weren't as interested in Piglocy and the 2 year theft spree she went on.
Lauren A| 1.10.11 @ 9:49PM
Let's ease off the hate on Bush era Republicans for fiscal irresponsibility. I agree they should have used their majority to cut spending and didn't, but they were also fighting a war in two countries. And they managed to keep the government spending increase to only 7.2% yearly, dramatically less than the Democrat congress excesses during any prior wars like Korea and Vietnam. Ironically that 7.2% is exactly the same average yearly increase in spending of the Democrat congress from 1977 to 1994 in peacetime! If you average spending increases (minus war spending) for both parties over the last century, Democrats come in at 9.2% per year. I wish my mutual funds paid that well. Republicans averaged 4.1%, a little higher than inflation. I'm glad to see Ryan talking about actually cutting spending. It's about time.
Ted| 3.21.11 @ 4:58PM
Tracy, you've done two article on Ryan this year.
Can you do one on how is record is 100% based on hype and 0% based on results?
Adidas | 8.11.11 @ 5:57AM
is good
العاب بنات | 4.10.12 @ 12:26PM
thank you it is good