Washington D.C. – Ways & Means Ranking Member Dave Camp (R-MI) issued the following statement today in response to a proposed Democrat plan to amend the rule on the motion to recommit:

“Today’s rule change makes it easier to raise taxes and makes it harder to cut them.  With this ploy it is clear that Speaker Pelosi and House Democrats have no intention of seriously debating how to lower the tax burden placed on working families, small businesses and American job providers.  While the rule change is certainly a warning of things to come, I’m not sure it makes the post-stimulus tax hikes anymore palatable.”

Camp’s comment comes in response to the Majority’s rules package that would prohibit the inclusion of “promptly” instructions in a motion to recommit.  Such instructions are one of the few ways Republicans currently can express their views on legislation brought to the Floor. But now, despite an expanded majority, House Democratic leaders are proposing the draconian step of removing this modest ability of the Minority to express dissent and propose policy alternatives. 

According to Camp, the rule shift would:
·        Make it easier for the Majority to raise taxes.
·        Force Republicans to abide by PAYGO, even when the Majority does not.
·        Force tax increases to prevent tax increases.
·        Prevent consideration of additional tax relief.
·        Severely limit the democratic process and openness of the House.

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