House Debates State Bail-Out
On August 10, 2010, the full United States House of Representatives met to debate a $26 billion bail-out for states (H.R. 1586). Congressman Todd Platts voted against the bill, arguing that the legislation furthers a perception among states that they can continue to rely on federal funding to avoid making tough budget choices.
Specifically, H.R. 1586 provides $16 billion to extend extra Medicaid funding first given to states as part of the stimulus bill enacted in 2009. The extra Medicaid funding in the stimulus bill was designed to be one-time funding that expired at the end of 2010, but thirty states built assumptions that the extra funding would be continued into their budgets.
H.R. 1586 also provides $10 billion in education funding. This is in addition to the $65 billion in education funding provided by the stimulus.
Congressman Platts and others voted against the original stimulus bill, in part, because of concerns that the temporary provisions contained in the bill would continue to be extended – costing taxpayers far more than the $790 billion estimated at the time of enactment. “By now enacting this bail-out,” Congressman Platts stated, “we are furthering a perception that there is an endless pot of money in Washington.”
The cost of H.R. 1586 would be offset in part by cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly called “Food Stamps,” and by a permanent tax increase on U.S. companies with foreign subsidiaries. Congressman Platts and other critics of the bill objected to the tax increase on the grounds that that it will hinder private sector job creation while the economy continues to struggle.
H.R. 1586 passed the House by a vote of 247-161. President Barack Obama signed the measure into law the same day.
Congress Enacts Border Security Measure
Also on August 10, 2010, the House debated a $600 million supplemental appropriation for enhanced border security (H.R. 6080). The cost of the measure is offset by a temporary increase in fees paid by companies submitting applications for foreign workers. The funding will be used to hire additional border patrol agents, place fencing, deploy more unmanned aircraft systems, and step-up law enforcement activities.
Congressman Platts has long advocated for the federal government to seriously embrace its responsibility of securing the border and enforcing its immigration laws. H.R. 6080 passed without objection in both the House and Senate. President Obama signed the measure into law on August 13, 2010.
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