House Republicans today outlined how they would write the federal budget if they controlled Congress, looking to rebut criticism from President Obama that the GOP is simply complaining about his blueprint but not offering proposals of its own.
Republican lawmakers refused to offer details of how much their alternative budget proposal would cost or how much it would increase the deficit, saying they would release overall numbers next week. Instead, they provided a general outline of proposals that included cutting overall government spending except for defense, banning any additional spending for bailouts of financial companies and a huge income tax cut that would make the maximum tax rate 25% instead of 36% as under current law.
"Two nights ago, the president said we haven't seen a budget yet of the Republicans," said House Minority Leader Rep. John Boehner (R-Ohio). "Well, it's not true, because here it is Mr. President." He waved a thin document called "The Republican Road to Recovery" that describes the GOP proposal.
Thin isn't the word for this. A short Associated Press article calls it a "glossy pamphlet" that offers "little beyond campaign-style talking points."
"It's impossible to determine the projected deficit based on their offering," AP reports. As alternatives go, this isn't one. This is a stunt.
