Bennet’s Fall Break

Bennet, Democrats go on vacation without passing budget, creating jobs or controlling spending. 

DENVER—The new fiscal year starts tomorrow, Oct. 1, but Congress fled Washington, D.C. today without passing a budget or extending the Bush tax cuts.  Democrats like Michael Bennet hope that extra time on the campaign trail will make Americans forget about their abysmal record of big spending and high unemployment. 

“If you’re not going to handle the pressing issues, Senator, what are you getting paid for?” asked John Swartout, Buck for Colorado campaign manager.  “Bennet should be focused on passing a budget and getting Americans back to work, instead of skipping out of town early to campaign.” 

The Senate has not only refused to pass a budget, but it has not passed a single appropriations bill this year. 

“Sen. Bennet has been a rubberstamp for the Washington insiders since taking office,” added Swartout. 

Since being appointed in 2008, Sen. Bennet developed a reputation of a rubberstamp for Washington insiders.  Instead of passing a budget, creating jobs and lowering the debt, Bennet fought for Obamacare, the failed stimulus package, bailouts for the auto companies and $13.5 trillion of debt. 

“Sen. Bennet failed Colorado,” said Swartout.  “We needed a leader, someone to create jobs and fight against Washington.  Instead, we got a rubberstamp for big spending and high unemployment. Colorado deserves better.” 

CONGRESSIONAL REPORT CARD

“Dismal Performance By Congress In Doing Its Most Basic Job”

“Democrats eager to return to the campaign trail are rushing to hold a vote on a continuing resolution that would fund the government until the lame-duck session.” (Vicki Needham, The Hill, 9/28/10)

Lawmakers Were Forced To Vote On Continuing Resolutions (CRs) To Prevent A “Government Shutdown”:

As The Fiscal Year Comes To An End, Congress Is Forced To Enact A “Stopgap Spending Bill” Needed To Avoid A “Government Shutdown.” “A stopgap spending bill that’s needed to avert a government shutdown on Friday advanced in the Senate as lawmakers prepared to head for the exits for the midterm elections.” (Andrew Taylor, “To Avoid Government Shutdown By End Of Week, Senate Advances Stopgap Spending Bill,” The Associated Press, www.washingtonexaminer.com, 9/28/10)

The Senate Was Scheduled To Remain In D.C. Through Next Week, But Decided To “Leave A Stack Of Bills For The Post-Election Session.” “The Senate was scheduled to stay in town through next week but has opted instead to leave a stack of bills for the post-election session, including any decisions on the George W. Bush-era tax cuts. Lawmakers aren’t scheduled to return to Washington until Nov. 15.” (Vicki Needham, “Senate Democrats Eager To Pass Spending Measure And Leave D.C.,”The Hill, thehill.com, 9/28/10)

“In Order To Avoid A Government Shutdown, Lawmakers Need To Clear The Legislation Before The New Fiscal Year Begins Oct. 1.”  (Vicki Needham, “Senate Democrats Eager To Pass Spending Measure And Leave D.C.,” The Hill, thehill.com, 9/28/10)

Congressional Report Card—“Dismal Performance By Congress In Doing Its Most Basic Job;” The Senate Passed Zero Appropriations Bills:

“Approval Of The Continuing Resolution Is Necessary Because Congress Has Not Completed Any Appropriations Bills For Fiscal 2011.” (Vicki Needham, “Senate Democrats Eager To Pass Spending Measure And Leave D.C.,” The Hill, thehill.com, 9/28/10)

“The Bill Is A Reminder Of The Dismal Performance By Congress In Doing Its Most Basic Job — Passing An Annual Budget And The Spending Bills For Agency Operations.” (Andrew Taylor, “To Avoid Government Shutdown By End Of Week, Senate Advances Stopgap Spending Bill,” The Associated Press, www.washingtonexaminer.com, 9/28/10)

Zero Of 12 Appropriations Bills Passed The Senate; Only 2 Passed The House.“Only two of a dozen annual appropriations bills have passed the House this year and none has passed the Senate as Democratic leaders opted against lengthy floor debates and politically difficult votes on spending.” (Andrew Taylor, “To Avoid Government Shutdown By End Of Week, Senate Advances Stopgap Spending Bill,” The Associated Press, www.washingtonexaminer.com, 9/28/10)

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