Sen. Cornyn's Efforts To Ensure Transparency & Accountability With Taxpayer Dollars Blocked By Democrats

Press Release

At least $2 billion in errors accepted into Baucus Bill so far; Amendment would address this

After the Senate Finance Committee double checked just two of the dozens of amendments offered and accepted to the Chairman's Mark, revealing more than $2 billion in errors, U.S. Sen. Cornyn offered an amendment to ensure transparency and accountability with taxpayer dollars. The measure would require all amendments be re-scored by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) and the Joint Committee on Taxation (JCT) for accuracy before the bill can be passed out of Committee. However, despite the support of both Sens. Blanche Lincoln, D-AR, and Olympia Snowe, R-ME, the measure was rejected by a narrow margin of 12-11.

"I am concerned that this process is being driven by arbitrary deadlines set mainly for political purposes - deadlines that are forcing a rushed process with too much room for error. The Congressional Budget Office has repeatedly advised us about the importance of giving them adequate time to give us accurate information.

"The proposal before us overhauls one-sixth of the economy, and we need to get this right. I've heard Members from both sides echo that sentiment so I'm disappointed it was voted down. My amendment would have ensured we take time to get the details right and make sure these kinds of mistakes don't happen again."

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