Unrestrained Growth

Jonathan R raises the question Why Bother Voting Republican for Senate? and goes on to complain about the Senate Republicans that restrain entitlements, in particular the Senate rejecting any cuts in Medicaid spending.


He refers to a Heritage PowerPoint presentation which shows that those 3 programs combined with interest on the debt (which also cannot be cut) dwarf the "discretionary" part of the budget, which is the part Congress can control.

He then states Without entitlement reform, the only alternative will be a crushingly high tax burden that will turn America's economy to something resembling Germany's because even eviscerating all other programs, including defense, will not suffice. Either we make the hard decisions now, or face a much more painful situation in the future.

So it seems Senate Republicans are opting for increased spending by politicians instead of tax cuts for citizens. Their cowardice is appalling but it's our fault as well. The politicians need to hear from the rank-and-file that we understand these problems and want bold action. Otherwise, we need some primary challengers to keep these profligate spenders honest.

His point is valid. We need to restrain growth in entitlements as well as discretionary spending. The answer to his question "Why Bother Voting Republican for Senate?" is we need to get more real Republicans in the Senate, not RINOs or Democrats.

For those wanting to do further research, the budget bill that passed 51-49 was S.CON.RES.18 and the ammendment that passed 52-48 to restore the Medicaid cuts was S.AMDT.204. The vote on that ammendment is here.

RINOs that voted for the amendment were Chafee (R-RI), Collins (R-ME), DeWine (R-OH), Smith (R-OR), Snowe (R-ME), and Specter (R-PA).