Rep. Andy Harris on Tax Bill: Adding $750B to Deficit is 'Not a Good Idea'

Budgetary Concerns with Senate Bill

• 🎯 Rep. Andy Harris states the Senate's version of the tax and spending bill added approximately $750 billion to the federal deficit and debt.
• ⚠️ He argues that this significant increase to an already large deficit is 'probably not a good idea'.
• 💡 Harris believes there is an artificial deadline and suggests taking more time to negotiate a compromise between the House and Senate bills.

Key Provisions Removed or Scaled Back

• ✂️ The Senate bill reportedly stripped away blocking funding for transgender surgery for minors.
• 🚫 It also effectively stopped illegal aliens from receiving Medicaid.
• 🌳 Provisions related to the 'green new scam' were scaled back compared to the House bill.

Negotiation and Compromise

• 🤝 Harris emphasizes the need to find a middle ground between the House and Senate positions to send a bill to the President's desk.
• 💰 He suggests that a compromise could save hundreds of billions of dollars from the federal debt and deficit.
• 🗣️ He believes a compromised version can be achieved within a few days, though likely not by July 4th.

Economic Growth Estimates and Deficit Impact

• 📈 While the administration believes CBO's growth estimates are too low, Harris contends that even with higher growth, the bill grows the deficit tremendously.
• 📊 He reiterates that adding $750 billion to the deficit is 'way too much' given the existing debt and deficit problems.

Legislative Process and Senate Tactics

• 🏛️ Harris clarifies that their actions are about following the legislative process, not staging a revolt.
• 🚶‍♂️ He suggests the Senate leaving town was a negotiating tactic to pressure the House into accepting their version of the bill.
• 💼 He asserts that Senate leadership should return to town to work on a resolution, as the House is willing to stay and negotiate.