[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 85 (Wednesday, May 18, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Page S2567]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Unanimous Consent Request--S. 4250
Mr. SCOTT of Florida. Mr. President, I disagree with my colleague's
objection, but I think this issue is too important not to try to get
something done today.
So, instead of enacting this point of order when the CPI reaches 3
percent, how about we raise it to 8 percent? Our current CPI level is
at 8.3 percent. We see how bad things are right now. When the CPI gets
close to where we currently are--inflation levels that we haven't seen
since the 1980s--that is when this point of order would take effect.
At 8 percent inflation, we have reached a crisis point. It only
stands to reason for Congress to start looking closely at every bill
that increases the deficit. Such deficit-increasing bills should only
be passed by Congress when absolutely needed.
Again, this point of order could be waived in the Senate with a two-
thirds majority. I think this is reasonable and that we owe it to
American families to start holding Congress accountable for the
reckless spending that we know fuels inflation. Hopefully, my
colleagues can agree to pinning this point of order to inflation at 8
percent.
As in legislative session, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate
proceed to the immediate consideration of S. 4250, which is at the
desk. I further ask that the bill be considered read a third time and
passed and that the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid
upon the table.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection?
Mr. LEAHY. I object.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Objection is heard.
The Senator from Florida.