Congressman Cole Votes Against Democratic Rule Measure

WASHINGTON – Congressman Tom Cole voted against a House rule proposed by the Democrats that will make tax increases more likely and does nothing to help reduce the deficit or reduce government spending.

"This plan allows the Democrats to increase spending in some areas by paying for it by finding alternative sources of revenue. Although this could be a good idea in theory, in practice it means tax increases on the American people," Congressman Cole said.

The rule proposed by the majority party applies only to spending increases resulting from new legislation, instead of current levels. This rule change does not address current spending which is currently growing at an unsustainable rate.

"Today the majority party disguised a 'tax and spend' rule change as a measure that promotes fiscal responsibility. The Democrats claim that this 'pay-as-you-go' rule will help lower spending when, in fact, it only applies to future spending and could stifle future tax cuts or tax cut extensions," Congressman Cole said. "This is bad for the economy and bad for hard working Americans."

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