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Jul 19, 2011

As debt-limit deadline looms, Republicans waste time pushing symbolism, protecting rich

AZGOP delegation shuns compromise, supports doomed bills like recycled Ryan Budget

As the debt-limit deadline approaches, President Obama has engaged Republicans in attempts to strike a compromise that will both shrink the deficit and protect commitments to seniors and other crucial investments. But with just over two weeks remaining, Republicans are wasting precious time posturing for their base of supporters. They've spent these dwindling days defending tax breaks for the rich, tax breaks for Big Oil and tax breaks for corporate jets.

Tonight, Arizona Reps. Gosar, Franks, Quayle, Schweikert and Flake all voted for a repackaged ‘Ryan Budget’ that has already been flatly rejected by the American public. In fact, it cost Republicans a congressional special election two months ago that they should've easily won. Despite Americans' desire for a balanced solution on the debt limit (see: Quinnipiac Poll), Republicans are pressing forward with their proposal, re-titled "Cut, Cap, and Balance."

• It CUTS health care for more than 50 million people, including low-income children and seniors.
• It CAPS our ability to invest in our economic recovery, by reducing investments in clean energy, infrastructure, education and training for our workforce.
• Worst of all, it BALANCES the cuts on the backs of middle-class and working families by protecting tax cuts for the rich.

President Obama finds this approach unconscionable and has pledged to veto this legislation if it reaches his desk.

“Our president has made bold and historic offers to Republicans in order to broker a compromise between the two sides. He's even endured criticism from both sides of the aisle along the way,” said Andrei Cherny, Arizona Democratic Party chairman. “Unfortunately, as the president approaches the center, these Arizona congressmen have sought comfort in their partisan corners. That’s not leadership."

"Arizonans are tired of political posturing and expect the Republicans in our delegation to get serious about fiscal responsibility.”

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