"Build Back Broke"

Look across the country. Right now, Americans are paying outrageously higher prices for everything from the gas at the pump and food at the grocery store to the utilities to heat their homes. The Democrat response—as with every crisis they have been faced with—has been to ignore it and continue to ram through their extreme agenda.

They did that again today. Their answer to the historic inflation we are seeing was to jam through another multi-trillion-dollar tax-and-spend spree. It will not only drive inflation higher, but it will also further bankrupt the nation.

To start, let’s go back to the beginning of the development of the bill. The entire process lacked any transparency and included NO input from Republicans. This was even forthrightly stated by Chairman of the Budget Committee John Yarmuth (D-KY), who—during debate—said, “After months of negotiations within our caucus, our committees, with our colleagues in the Senate, and with the White House, I’m proud to present the most consequential legislation for American families since the New Deal.” They purposely and admittedly disenfranchised half the country by leaving entire constituencies out of negotiations. Why? Because this was never about crafting legislation “for the people;” it was about developing something to fit their socialist vision. And, in between their infighting and backroom deal-making, they brazenly and continually lied to the American people.

For months, President Biden, Speaker Pelosi, and the Democrat caucus have claimed the bill “costs zero.” Then they doubled down on falsehoods and said the “bill was paid for,” and that taxes “would not be raised” on middle-class families. Every single one of these claims has been proven false. For example: families making far less than $400,000 will certainly pay higher taxes, especially with provisions like the natural gas tax, which could cost lower and middle-income families up to 30% more on their monthly utility bills. Even the budget gimmicks the Democrats incorporated to try and lower the real and total cost of the bill couldn’t help hide the truth—this bill is absolutely NOT paid for and will add—at a minimum—billions to the debt. CBO, amongst other credible analyses, said just that. It’s not “Build Back Better” – it’s “Build Back Broke.”    

Every aspect of the Democrat agenda has stood in stark contrast with reality. Think about it. They said they want unity, inflation is temporary, the border crisis is seasonal, there would be no federal vaccine mandate, Americans weren’t left behind in Afghanistan, and the so-called “Build Back Better” bill costs zero. Every notion has been proven false. Their dubious claims on this monstrosity are no different. It radically expands government and skyrockets deficits. High inflation will be made worse to allow tax cuts for millionaires, mass amnesty, electric car rebates for liberal elites, a massive IRS expansion, and things like “tree equity.” They are willing to mortgage the livelihoods of middle-class Americans—and futures of our children and grandchildren—to fulfill their socialist vision.

I voted NO on this monstrosity, which would institute trillions of dollars in additional spending—both borrowed from China and creating an untenable burden that falls on the backs of future generations—in order to pay for tax cuts for millionaires in places like New York and California.

We won’t stop working to defeat this legislation and stand up for working and middle-class Americans. I vehemently call on every Senator to oppose this bill. I also want you to know what is in this proposal, so I have included a roundup of provisions below.

Some “Build Back Broke” provisions:

HIGHEST TAX RATE: The House-Biden plan will give the U.S. the highest combined federal and state top tax rate among major nations. America should be first in everything BUT taxes.

SMALL BUSINESS TAX: Over $400 billion in small business tax hikes, which will be shouldered by Main Street job creators. It’s also estimated the bill will destroy upwards of 1 million U.S. jobs.

DOUBLES IRS: Expands IRS to unnecessary size – more than doubles the agency.

NO REAL COST: We only have the tip of the iceberg when it comes to how bad the spending and deficit implications are. They used gimmicks and arbitrary expirations to try and “lower” the cost, but we know the reality is higher taxes and debt.

GREEN NEW DEAL: Provides over $550 billion to fulfill the Democrat’s Green New Deal.

“TESLA” REBATE: Electric vehicle subsidies for wealthy couples making $500,000 a year.

TAX BREAKS FOR THE RICH: Extends SALT deductions to give wealthy Americans up to an $80,000 tax break each year. Democrats are willing to raise taxes on everyday Americans, while carving out huge tax breaks for their rich friends in blue, high-tax states with a massive SALT cap repeal.

UNRESTRAINED PAID LEAVE CREDIT: Taxpayer-funded paid leave for millionaires.

NO HYDE: Does not include the Hyde Amendment, allowing taxpayer dollars to be used to fund on-demand abortions.

GROWS GOVERNMENT: Creates over 150 new government programs.

PROPS UP ENDOWED COLLEGES: Billions more for colleges and universities—even though they’ve received billions over the past year.

BACKS ADVERSARIES: Impedes and bans domestic energy and mineral production, increasing our dependencies on resources supplied by OPEC, Russia, and China.

WELFARE INCENTIVES: Perpetuates labor shortages by eliminating work requirements to receive welfare benefits for able-bodied adults – at a time when there are over 10.4 million job openings.

MASS AMNESTY: $100 billion to grant mass amnesty to millions of illegal immigrants—all while we face an unprecedented crisis at our southern border.

HELPS UNIONS: Subsidizes union dues that would only serve to strengthen the influence of union bosses and not American workers.

EXPANDS OBAMACARE: Expands Obamacare subsidies through 2025, benefiting wealthier Americans and subsidizing people who already have insurance.

TREE EQUITY: Includes a $2.5 billion slush fund that would send taxpayer dollars to radical environmental groups to plant trees and advance “tree equity.”

RAISES UTILITY COSTS: Includes a tax on natural gas eventually up to $1,500 per ton that could cost the American economy up to $9.1 billion and cost 90,000 Americans their jobs.

FEWER CURES: Reports have shown that some of the policies included will result in fewer cures coming to market for diseases faced by Americans.

I will be back in Arkansas next week. You can keep an eye on my website or check out my Twitter and Instagram pages to stay up-to-date with the latest news from my office.