Wilson Praises “Huge Victory for American Taxpayers”

Last night, the House passed the Deficit Reduction Act (H.R. 4241) with a vote of 217-215. Congressman Joe Wilson (R-SC) made the following statement about this critical legislation: "Last night's vote was a shining example of fiscal responsibility and a huge victory for American taxpayers. By securing over $50 billion in savings in the federal budget, the Republican Congress demonstrated that we are sincerely committed to decreasing the deficit and reforming government spending habits. "I am extremely discouraged that not a single Democrat supported this fiscally sound legislation. As our nation continues to pay for the massive reconstruction costs of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, we simply cannot afford their tax and spend proposals. The Deficit Reduction Act is an important step in a long-term plan that will hold the federal government accountable and ensure that hardworking Americans do not bear the burden of bureaucracy." The Deficit Reduction Act contains provisions that trim the deficit and reform government programs, including: Saving and strengthening Medicaid by adopting provisions offered by the bi-partisan National Governors Association;Lowering prescription drug costs;Reducing waste, fraud, and abuse;Strengthening and simplifying student loan programs;Rebuilding community first responder capabilities by freeing up vital spectrum airwaves;Protecting workers' pensions by placing the Pension Benefit Guarantee Corporation (PBGC) on a more solid financial foundation and protecting taxpayers from the cost of a massive bailout;Increasing heating assistance for low-income Americans by assuming a $1 billion (50% increase) in additional funding for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP); Expanding Welfare Reform by reauthorizing the successful welfare reform policies in TANF and providing an additional $1 billion in funding.###