Why is Congress Leaving Early?

Press Release

Why is Congress leaving early?

-Ask Boucher whose deciding vote 210-209 adjourned with impending tax increase-

Morgan Griffith, the Republican candidate for the Ninth Congressional seat, is concerned about Congress's plan to close its doors abruptly this week, and not come back into session until after the November election. And guess who made a vote to send Congress to adjournment--Griffith's opponent--Congressman Rick Boucher.

"Is Congress doing its job? Why is Boucher and his colleagues going fishing and leaving without making a decision on budget issues", says Griffith. "There seems no sense of urgency. We're going to start the new Fiscal Year without a budget, and it was Boucher who sent them home early with his vote. (210 to 209)."

Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) urged opposition to the motion in a floor speech that said it would be irresponsible for Congress to leave without providing certainty on the tax issue.

"Congress is punting, and not dealing with a federal spending plan," says Griffith. "They did not deal with an extension of Bush-era tax cuts which expire at the end of 2010, thus raising taxes on millions of Americans. And why wouldn't Boucher push for a vote on the extension. He says he supports the idea, but would not stand up today and demand a vote be taken before adjournment. Instead, he decided the opposite."

Griffith says Boucher and the Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi care too much about perceptions, and how it could affect them in the upcoming election. "This is just another reason why we need to change things in Washington. The public is seeing the fact that Congress is unable to get vital work done."

The Republican also used the opportunity to say since Boucher has more time on his hands--he needs to debate. "In the past, he has said he was too busy but now he has two weeks with time on his hands. I say let's debate the issues."

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