If you want to judge how serious the Democrats are at reducing the debt, you look no further than their appointees to the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction. On the Senate side, Harry Reid made one moderate choice in Max Baucus of Montana, however that choice is negated by choosing ultra-Liberal John Kerry of Massachusetts and Democratic Senate Campaign Committee Chairman Patty Murray; neither Kerry nor Murray have any business experience.
Republicans are outraged by Murrays’ selection given that her current responsibilities are centered on electing Democrats to the Senate. Murray is a leading Democrat fund-raiser and portends a lobbyist’s bonanza. Murray cannot be bipartisan while she’s focused on raising funds to re-elect Democrats to the Senate. Republican National Committee chairman Reince Priebus demanded that Reid withdraw the appointment, saying the powerful panel is “no place for someone whose top priority is fundraising and politics.”
Today House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi announced the last three appointees to round out the 12-member bipartisan panel; however the selections show no semblance of bipartisanship. The final members of the committee include Democratic whip James Clyburn of South Carolina, caucus vice chair Xavier Becerra of California and Chris Van Hollen of Maryland. All are among the 3 most liberal members of the House of Representatives and have made statements that they could not support a bill that affects entitlements and are focused only on raising taxes. They might as well kick in the triggers now.
Xavier Becerra has already voted against the President Obama’s bipartisan deficit commission last year, and Clyburn and Van Hollen are faithful Pelosi lieutenants. Clearly Pelosi and Reid’s objective was to choose people of their political mind that are only looking for an election campaign issue.
John Boehner’s selections were far more reasonable. Fred Upton and Dave Camp, both from Michigan, have received many accolades for reaching across the aisle on many bills. Jeb Hensarling of Texas, co-chair of the committee, was named the country’s “budget nanny” in a 2005 article in a National Review magazine article, saying that he had replaced his mentor, former Senator Phil Gramm, in this role. Hensarling’s extensive experience in the business world is a critical component to the committee.
Mitch McConnell’s choices are rock-solid: Jon Kyl of Arizona, Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania and Rob Portman of Ohio. Kyl is a staunch conservative, but a pragmatic person. Known for his sensible approach to legislation and calm determination, Kyl makes a wise addition to the team. Rob Portman of Ohio is a slam dunk. Portman served as both a U.S. trade representative and Director of the government’s Office of Management and Budget. While Pat Toomey is a relative new-comer to the Senate, his reputation on financial matters is second to none.
Where are the intelligent choices on the Democrat’s side? Where are the economic leaders or business persons? There are none. The Democrat’s intentions, if ever in doubt, are now in clear focus.
The committee has until Nov. 23 to come up with a plan, which Congress must approve by an up-or-down vote by late December to avoid triggers requiring a 50% reduction in Defense and Entitlement spending. If you’re a Defense contractor, it may be time to head for the hills.