Concord Coalition Applauds Bipartisan Budget Amendment

WASHINGTON — The Concord Coalition today applauded the efforts of a bipartisan group in the House of Representatives to encourage a long-term balanced budget plan based on the principles of the 2010 National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform (Simpson-Bowles).    

WASHINGTON — The Concord Coalition today applauded the efforts of a bipartisan group in the House of Representatives to encourage a long-term balanced budget plan based on the principles of the 2010 National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform (Simpson-Bowles).    

“This is a simple idea with a powerful message. As we enter into another round of contentious budget negotiations, it will be tempting for elected leaders in both parties to produce one-sided plans that may appeal to their core constituencies. But unless compromises across party lines can be struck, there is little hope of enacting the kind of comprehensive long-term plan we need,” said Robert L. Bixby, executive director of The Concord Coalition.

“In that regard, Representatives Kurt Schrader (D-OR), Frank R. Wolf (R-VA), Jim Cooper (D-TN), and Chris Gibson (R-NY) are setting a positive example of bipartisan cooperation in pursuit of fiscal responsibility,” Bixby said.  

The Concord Coalition, like the bipartisan group in the House, supports the principles of the Simpson-Bowles Commission. Reasonable arguments can be made on when a balanced budget can, or should, be achieved. However, any plan to deal with our long-term fiscal challenge should recognize that it will take a mix of spending cuts and revenue increases to produce a realistic plan. Moreover, we must deal with the major cost-drivers and not be afraid of tackling needed tax reform. These were among the major conclusions of the Simpson-Bowles Commission and should be guiding principles in future budget negotiations.