What Could Have Been Agreed Upon

The lame duck session of Congress resumes today. There are many issues which confront the country and require immediate action. First, is the issue of taxes. Absent action by Congress in the next two weeks, there will be millions of middle income taxpayers who will become subject to the Alternative Minimum Tax for 2010. Still other middle and low income taxpayers will lose certain credits for child care. Some businesses will also lose tax credits that promote investment and job creation. Second is the issue of government expenditures. As of today, none of the necessary appropriations bills have been passed by Congress even though the fiscal year began months ago. Indeed, unless continuing resolutions are passed, the government will have to shut down for lack of funds. Third, there are the tax issues that only affect 2011 and beyond. The Bush tax cuts expire as of the end of December, so without action by congress, everyone will have a tax increase starting in January.

So with such important issues facing the Congress, what is it to which the Democrats are giving their attention? The answer is simple: repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and the Dream act which gives some young illegal immigrants a path to citizenship. During an expected two week session of Congress, the Democrats have set aside two days for hearings on DADT. According to Senator Graham of South Carolina, the votes are not there to approve repeal of DADT in the Senate. Nevertheless, the Democrats who still are in complete control of Congress until January have made it the signature issue for the remaining session. The Dream Act also lacks sufficient support to pass the Senate, but Harry Reid is pushing a vote on this bill even though it takes up valuable time that would be better spent dealing with taxes and spending.

The sad truth is that action on taxes and spending is needed if the economy is ever to start generating jobs in sufficient numbers to lower the unemployment rate. Lack of attention to bread and butter issues is what led the Democrats to disaster in the last election. One would think that after that drubbing they would have gotten the message. Apparently, however, they somehow missed it. The millions of people who may get stuck paying the Alternative Minimum Tax are the very people who the Democrats claim to represent. The truth is that the Democrats only care about power. By pushing DADT repeal, they hope to cement their standing in the gay community. With the Dream Act, the Democrats think that they will lock up the Hispanic vote. They are wrong, however. People who see the irresponsible behavior from the Democrats will not vote for them. Jobs and the economy are what is important. Maybe that should be said louder: JOBS AND THE ECONOMY ARE WHAT IS IMPORTANT!!!!!!
It is indeed sad that nothing will get accomplished. We all have the Democrats to thank for this mess.