The
Administration strongly opposes S.J.Res 28, which would temporarily
waive budget enforcement mechanisms due to the receipt of the Congressional
Budget Office's Low Growth Report. While the economic downturn and
increased fiscal demands stemming from the terrorist attacks have
dealt a set-back to the near-term fiscal picture, it is crucial to
prevent an abandonment of budget discipline that could turn temporary
fiscal erosion into an unending series of deficits.
The
Administration stands ready to fund the needs stemming from the
recent terrorist attacks and provide vital economic stimulus. Since
September 11, more than $60 billion has been allocated or pledged
for disaster relief, recovery and cleanup, national defense, and
homeland security. The Administration is also working with Congress
to produce an economic stimulus package that delivers true stimulus
via tax relief. However, it is crucial that bills providing for
these needed and temporary expenditures do not become vehicles for
permanent spending on other projects that have nothing to do with
stimulus and that will only expand the size of government. The Budget
Enforcement Act is an integral part of enforcing budget discipline
and is needed now more than ever.
The
Administration also urges Congress to act to adjust the discretionary
caps to reflect the agreement between the Administration and Congress
to hold Fiscal Year 2002 discretionary spending to $686 billion
and to clear the pay-as-you-go scorecard. These enforcement mechanisms
will only be effective going forward if they start from a realistic
base.
|