News
TERRY PROTECTS TAXPAYERS FROM $134 BILLION DEFICIT JUMP
Key vote this week could show voters which candidate will cut spending
U.S. Rep. Lee Terry today said he is siding with the nation’s taxpayers in opposing a bill this week in the House that adds $134 billion to the federal budget deficit over the next decade.
Only 23 percent of the full $174 billion cost of H.R. 4213 is paid for, according to the Congressional Budget Office.
“The most important issue facing our country is the spiraling budget deficit and national debt,” Terry said. “Although the bill contains several provisions that I support, I refuse to saddle our families with an additional $134 billion in debt.”
Terry said the legislation could crystallize the differences between the two Second congressional district candidates on the issue of federal spending
“Mr. White has stated recently that he is ‘more fiscally conservative’ than me. Well, let’s see about that. I am opposing a bill that increases the budget deficit by $134 billion. The voters have a right to know Mr. White’s position on this matter,” Terry said. (“White takes on Terry’s fiscal record,” The Associated Press, Margery Beck, May 12, 2010)
CBO has stated that H.R. 4213 contains ten-year gross costs of $174 billion. This is partially offset by $40 billion in new revenue, leaving a budget shortfall of $134 billion through 2010. (CBO letter to U.S. Rep. Sander Levin, May 21, 2010)
Terry’s opponent is on record as supporting $1.8 trillion in more federal spending through the stimulus and healthcare programs. Supporting H.R. 4213 would push White’s overspending to $2 trillion
“I guess you could say the difference between us is $2 trillion,” Terry said.