Hat Tip: Kim Priestap – Wizbang
Protesting Washington’s Wasteful Spending
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Congressman J. Gresham Barrett (SC, 03) introduced today the Taxpayer Empowerment and Advocacy Act, or TEA Act for short. This bold legislation was inspired by the more than two hundred modern day Tea Party protests being held around the country. Congressman Barrett’s legislation aims to save taxpayers more than half-a-trillion dollars over the next five years.
“We are facing serious economic challenges. Here at home in South Carolina, the unemployment rate is 11%. We all know someone who has been personally affected by these tough times. Many are looking to Congress for answers. But, the so-called solutions coming from the Washington Democrats all call for more spending, more borrowing and more taxes.
“The President’s budget increases taxes by nearly $2 trillion, doubles the national debt in less than six years and spends $4 trillion this year alone. And who can forget all the wasteful spending in ‘stimulus bill’ – $50 million for the National Endowment of the Arts, $300 million for green golf carts and $30 million to protect the San Francisco Harvest Mouse? Just to name a few.
“Taxpayers have had enough. Across our state and across this country they are gathering together to voice their displeasure. Inspired by our nation’s early patriots, thousands of taxpayers are gathering at hundreds of modern day “tea parties” to protest Washington’s wasteful spending, the Democrat-written stimulus package, the housing bailout and President Obama’s budget.
“I want the people of South Carolina and our nation to know that I’ve gotten the message, and that is why I am introducing the Taxpayer Empowerment and Advocacy Act – or the TEA Act for short. Over the next five years, the TEA Act will save taxpayers over half-a-trillion dollars by reducing spending, restricting the growth of government and strengthening the definition of ‘emergency spending’ to prohibit abuse. I am confident that this bold initiative will set Congress on a new, more accountable course and protect the taxpayers’ best interests.”
The TEA Act holds discretionary funding for the 2010 fiscal year below the enacted 2009 fiscal year level. Additionally, the bill restricts government growth for 2011 to 2014 to the rate of inflation, initially reduces by five percent all existing mandatory spending programs (excluding Social Security and debt service), decreases the interest of the federal debt, strengthens the definition of “emergency spending” and authorizes Pay-As-You-Go for new mandatory spending programs.
The TEA Act will be referred to the House Budget and Rules Committee for consideration.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Congressman J. Gresham Barrett (SC, 03) will appear on Fox News Channel’s ‘Your World with Neil Cavuto’ today at approximately 4:35 p.m. EST to discuss the TEA Act (Taxpayer Empowerment and Advocacy Act) which he introduced this morning.
B.J. Boling
Communications Director
The Office of Congressman J. Gresham Barrett
864-934-8462 (m)
803-649-5571 (o)
803-648-9038 (f)
Emily Tyner
Press Secretary
The Office of Congressman J. Gresham Barrett
#202-225-5301 (o)
#202-225-5359 (m)
