Senator Ayotte's Statement on "Megabus" Spending Bill and Payroll Tax Extension

Statement

U.S. Senator Kelly Ayotte (R-NH), a member of the Senate Budget Committee, released the statement below regarding today's Senate action on a "megabus" spending bill, which combines nine appropriations bills to fund government through the remainder of the fiscal year. She also commented on the approval of a two-month extension of the payroll tax cut. Senator Ayotte's statement follows:

"This $915 billion spending package, which includes billions of dollars in unauthorized or unrequested spending items, was jammed through Congress at the eleventh hour without any debate or amendments. The 1,200 page bill brings total spending to $4 billion over last year and $35 billion above the House-passed budget. It perpetuates the same flawed budget process and out-of-control spending habits that have resulted in over $15 trillion in debt and three straight years of trillion dollar-plus deficits. For example, the legislation includes at least $3.5 billion in unauthorized or unrequested defense spending items. And I've identified at least 53 unrequested items in the Energy and Water section totaling $684 million. With our nation facing a serious fiscal crisis, Congress must end its practice of forcing through bloated spending bills at the last minute.

"Although I would have preferred a longer-term solution, I am pleased Republicans and Democrats reached agreement on a bill to prevent a tax increase on working families at the beginning of next year. We shouldn't be raising taxes in a down economy. When Congress returns to this debate next year, I will continue to push for tax code reform that lowers rates and makes our economy more competitive. I also welcomed the inclusion of provisions to help reduce America's energy dependence on hostile regimes by requiring the permitting of the Keystone XL pipeline, a shovel ready project that will create thousands of jobs."

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