Hensarling Statement on Funding, Tax Legislation

WASHINGTON – U.S. Congressman Jeb Hensarling (R-TX), chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, issued the following statement upon House passage of a legislative package to fund the government and make permanent several temporary tax provisions.  

“The American people expect and deserve better than last minute, omnibus spending legislation that lumps almost all government programs, both good and bad, into one massive bill.  While Speaker Ryan and the members of this House had to play the bad hand that was dealt to us months ago – before he became speaker – I am encouraged by the speaker’s commitment to move away from this irresponsible practice.

“The president won’t admit it, but we are a nation at war. At a time when the threat from ISIS and radical Islam is increasing at an alarming rate, funding our national defense and ensuring our fighting men and women have the tools necessary to carry out their mission and defend their homeland – not reducing their ranks, as President Obama has done – must be our top priority. This legislation represents billions more in our national defense than if Congress had not taken any action.  Earlier in the year, Defense officials told Congress that operating under scheduled cut levels would lead to ‘decreased readiness, more casualties of American troops and a lack of confidence among allies around the world.’   These dire warnings were made before ISIS began its new offensive against the West.  Ultimately, I voted for this bill because victory against radical Islam is the only acceptable outcome and time is of the essence.

“Like all omnibus spending bills, this bill spends way too much—and much of what it spends is on bad programs. While I am disappointed by many aspects of the bill, there are several notable provisions worthy of support—including lifting the 40 year ban on crude oil exports that can help make the world less depending on OPEC and Russian oil; strengthening the Visa Waiver Program to protect against terrorists exploiting Western passports; and prohibiting any taxpayer funded bailout of insurance companies’ losses from participating in Obamacare. In addition, the inclusion of the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act to make permanent several temporary tax provisions will provide much needed certainty for hardworking American taxpayers and businesses, grow our economy, and rein in the IRS – while setting the stage for fundamental tax reform in the future.”

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