WASHINGTON, DC – House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today on the first meeting of the Joint Select Committee on Budget and Appropriations Process Reforms, which was established in the Bipartisan Budget Act:
“Today’s first meeting of a new Joint Select Committee on Budget and Appropriations Process Reform presents an opportunity to reject the dysfunction of the kind Republicans have made the hallmark of their House Majority. While the decades-old budget and appropriations process can be updated, the problems we have experienced over the past several years isn’t one of process; it’s the result of failed leadership under Republicans and the flawed products they have put forward.
“This year is shaping up to be no different. After abusing the budget reconciliation process originally intended for deficit reduction, Republicans are plunging the country massively into debt with their $1.5 trillion tax scam. Now, after failing for months to do the basic work of governing by enacting appropriations bills, Republican leaders have already signaled that they have no intention of even attempting to write a budget outline for the coming fiscal year. The current leadership gap is eclipsed, perhaps, only by the fiscal one.
“I thank Co-Chair Nita Lowey and Democrats serving on this Joint Select Committee for their willingness to engage in this opportunity to see if we can reform the process. I also implore my Republican colleagues to improve their approach to the process we have. It can work if we all want it to work.”