Reichart calls federal budget deal ‘decisive’
Dec 18, 2013, 11:06 AM | Updated: Oct 14, 2024, 9:55 am
House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan, R-Wis., left, and Senate Budget Committee Chairwoman Patty Murray, D-Wash., orchestrated the bipartisan budget deal (AP).
(AP)
The watchword from the developing federal government budget deal is “decisive.”
That’s the adjective U.S. Congressman Dave Reichart, R-Wash., and other House Republicans used to describe the budget bill, which the Senate is expected to pass Wednesday. Appearing on KTTH Tuesday, Reichart explained the use of that word.
“I think some people might agree with the adjective ‘decisive’ if you take in the totality our ability to operate the last few years, at least it takes a step forward,” Reichart said, referring to the federal government’s lack of a spending plan for several years.
“[There is] a $23 billion decrease to the deficit, a drop in the bucket when you look at the $17 trillion we are in debt. But I think decisive in a way that we’re not jerking from quarter to quarter with the threat of a government shutdown,” Reichart said.
One controversial piece of the deal would limit the annual cost of living raises given to military pensioners who retire before age 62.
Boze questioned whether it was fair that military retirees, whose jobs are often far more dangerous than other federal workers, should, essentially, be the ones to have their pensions cut.
Reichart said that non-disabled military workers who retire early – some are eligible as early as age 38 – can still work to make up the difference.
“There is a belief that you’re still in your working life – if you’re not disabled you’re able to work,” Reichart said.
Boze also questioned why House Speaker John Boehner has called out Tea Party groups like the Heritage Foundation and Americans for Prosperity for their disagreement with the budget deal. Reichart recalled his days playing football to explain Boehner’s actions.
“Every now and then, the coaches would pick a little group to call out as having made a mistake or not thinking properly to, I think, create some team spirit,” he said. “What [Boehner] is trying to do is pull people together. I’m the coach, I called the play, get on the field and play. And I think that was really the message he was trying to deliver.”
