[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 183 (Thursday, December 1, 2011)]
[Senate]
[Page S8140]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          PAYROLL TAX HOLIDAY

  Mr. MORAN. Mr. President, just a few moments ago we cast several 
votes in regard to the so-called payroll tax holiday. I opposed both 
the Republican amendment and the Democratic amendment.
  There were significant differences between these two versions of this 
legislation; in part, the differences at least included the way that 
the provisions were paid for. While I may support the pay-fors, I 
objected to what the pay-fors are paying for.
  I support freezing the pay of Members of Congress, the elimination of 
certain benefits to millionaires, and reducing the Federal workforce. 
But wouldn't we be better using the proceeds of these reductions in 
spending to reduce the debt and deficit rather than a short-term change 
that reduces the revenues going to the Social Security and Medicare 
trust funds? When are we going to admit we are broke?
  I am reminded of a plan approved by Congress just several years ago 
where we borrowed money to give citizens a $600 rebate, all in the name 
of a stimulus. We wanted to stimulate the economy and, in my view, what 
we did was we stimulated little and increased the debt a lot.
  Many of us have expressed support for the concepts contained in the 
Bowles-Simpson deficit reduction plan. Their recommendations are very 
important and we have paid a lot of attention to them and expressed our 
desire to proceed in that way. Many times we have said that. But the 
legislation we just voted on uses many of their suggested reductions in 
spending, not for deficit reduction but for another stimulus plan. The 
Bowles-Simpson plan has been hijacked once again in the name of 
stimulating the economy.
  These proposals also undermine the foundation of Social Security. We 
are reducing the payments into the trust fund. We should leave the 
trust fund alone and cut spending and use those savings to pay down our 
annual deficits and live within our means. Once again, we are putting 
off difficult decisions and leaving it up to our children and 
grandchildren to pay for our irresponsibility.
  Finally, let me, once again, on this floor make the case for 
certainty in our Tax Code. Congress is tinkering tonight with the Tax 
Code, creating greater uncertainty. In almost every conversation I have 
with a business owner, they ask for certainty in the Tax Code and 
certainty in the regulatory environment. But instead, tonight we are 
changing or attempting to change the Tax Code one more time, for a 
short period of time, claiming some benefit for doing so. Instead, we 
should focus on long-term tax policy and a Tax Code that is simpler and 
certain. Certainty is something that will create jobs.
  I expect there to be some criticism of the votes I just cast, and I 
can hear the campaign sound bites. But we have to get beyond the next 
election and get to the next generation.
  I yield the floor.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Oregon.

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