Soundbite: As the politicians debate the annual budget resolution, they need to remember that despite the devastating effects of September 11, Americans remain committed to fiscal discipline. In an effort to further their own political aims, many Members of Congress use this process as an opportunity to push unnecessary, pork barrel projects. Further, some members of Congress, such as Senator Ted Kennedy (D-Mass.), want to pay for their bigger spending appetites by increasing Americans’ tax burden. He has already called for repealing portions of the tax cuts that President Bush signed into law last June; we cannot let this tax increase happen. Members of Congress need to know that they cannot get away with spending billions of dollars of your hard earned dollars on more unnecessary government programs and raising taxes on Americans.

Even before the appropriators have their way with the spending bills for 2003, new studies suggest that the deficit for 2002 may exceed $100 billion. With revenues coming in lower than forecasts and congressional spending advancing at a record pace, taxpayers need to take Congress’ calls for fiscal responsibility with a grain of salt. These days, fiscal responsibility appears to mean a secure stream of tax revenues, not a more prudent approach to federal spending.

Six years ago, Congress took a courageous step to phase out almost all agricultural subsidies. The Freedom to Farm Act of 1996 had the promise of:

On Congress: The Senate this week will consider H.R. 3009, the “Andean Trade Act.” This bill represents the beginning of an extended trade debate in the Senate and would grant trade preferences to four Andean nations. As part of this international commerce debate, the Senate may also take up this week the renewal of presidential fast-track authority and health insurance subsidies.

The Washington Post, of all publications, confirmed what we already knew: Congress has been on a spending binge of historic proportions. In fact, the closest historic precedent is Lyndon Johnson’s “Great Society.” Hill leaders should remember that his policies led to: 1: stagflation 2: the ascendancy of the modern conservative movement

Dear Chairman Oxley, As the House Financial Services Committee reaches the point of deciding just how extensive the new controls over accounting firms should be, Citizens for a Sound Economy urges you to look beyond the partisan arguments and consider the impact of the proposed “reforms” on the economy.

SUMMARY: The House and Senate return this week from their two-week recess with a relatively light calendar. The Senate will resume consideration of the energy bill focusing on the issue of tax credits. The House in the meantime will consider several bills under suspension and then plans to take up a taxpayer bill of rights which would make modest, pro-consumer changes to the tax code.