Kirk calls for vote on Bowles-Simpson Commission Plan if Super Committee fails

Kirk-Manchin Resolution echoes 140 senators and members of Congress who agree with the President’s Deficit Panel Principles

 

 

 

Chicago, IL — As the nation watches the Super Committee deadline of Wednesday quickly approach, Senator Mark Kirk (R-IL) believes Congress must take immediate action if the Committee fails to pass a deficit reduction package. Senators Kirk and Joe Manchin (D-WV) offered a bipartisan Sense of the Senate resolution urging their fellow Senators to encourage the Super Committee to reach $4 trillion in reductions through long-term entitlement and pro-growth tax reforms. About 140 House Members and Senators have expressed the same “Go Big” sentiment to the Super Committee, suggesting that the bipartisan Bowles-Simpson Fiscal Commission plan be used as a framework.

 

“Without at least a $1.2 trillion package of spending cuts, reforms to entitlement programs and simplification of the tax code, the US faces further credit rating downgrades, increased market volatility, and further lack of confidence in Congress,” Senator Kirk said. “If the Super Committee fails to act, Congressional leaders should schedule a vote on the Bowles-Simpson proposal immediately.  While neither Democrats nor Republicans fully support the proposal, it reforms the tax code and our entitlement programs in a balanced way, protecting both seniors and a pro-growth economy, while cutting our national debt. The American people sent us to Washington to work together and find solutions, not to kick the can to further generations. Voting on the Bowles-Simpson recommendations will hold Washington accountable.”