Oppose the ‘Budget Control Act of 2011’

Recipient: U.S. House of Representatives

Dear Representative:

On behalf of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, we urge you to oppose the “Budget Control Act of 2011,” the amendment in the nature of a substitute to S. 627. Given the drastic consequences that this bill would have on the communities we represent and the economy as a whole, we consider this vote a priority, and we intend to record your position in our voting record for the 112th Congress. 

The Budget Control Act would cut discretionary programs by $1.2 trillion over the next ten years, followed by another round of cuts that are large enough to produce another $1.8 trillion in savings as a condition for raising the debt ceiling. According to an analysis by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities,1 the plan would require approximately $1.5 trillion in cuts to mandatory spending or so-called “entitlement” programs.  

Congress would have few alternatives for attaining this $1.5 trillion in cuts. It could: 1) cut Social Security and Medicare benefits heavily for current retirees, something that all budget plans from both parties (including House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan’s plan) have ruled out; 2) repeal the Affordable Care Act’s coverage expansions while retaining its measures that cut Medicare payments and raise tax revenues; or 3) eviscerate the safety net for low-income children, parents, seniors, and people with disabilities.  

In short, the cuts mandated by the Budget Control Act would have a devastating effect on the communities we represent, including people of color, young children, students, older Americans, women, the jobless, and the uninsured. With millions of families struggling in the face of unemployment and reduced income, this bill would make matters far worse.  

We urge you to oppose the Budget Control Act in favor of a more balanced approach – one that includes additional revenues, instead of simply reducing debt on the backs of those who can least afford it. Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Wade Henderson
President & CEO

Nancy Zirkin
Executive Vice President