Wasserman Schultz Offers Balanced Solution to Replace Sequestration Cuts

WASHINGTON – Earlier today, U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) introduced an amendment to replace the indiscriminate sequester cuts with a balanced approach to deficit reduction.

She offered her amendment during the full committee markup in the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies subcommittee of the House Committee on Appropriations.

“This amendment replaces sequestration by providing a balanced approach of $181 billion in spending cuts and tax savings,” said Wasserman Schultz. “It does this by ending tax breaks to big oil and gas, and imposing the Buffet rule so that taxpayers in the highest income bracket don’t pay a lower effective tax rate than less affluent Americans. The amendment provides $83 billion in spending cuts, by eliminating direct payments to farmers and by reducing defense caps.

“Right now, millions of women are at risk because sequestration cuts will reduce critical investments in small business, health care, medical research, education, and child care assistance. Women owners of small businesses could lose an estimated $1.3 billion in government contracts, putting the jobs of 15,000 of their employees at risk. We are here and we have a chance to act. We could pass this amendment and take the first step in ending the sequester. Let’s put Americans back to work and stop risking this nation’s economic recovery.”

The amendment failed along party lines, with a vote of 25-21.