Nussle Uses False Arguments to Defend Soaring Federal Deficits
IowaDemocrats.org

Nussle Claims 9/11 is to Blame; Facts Show Tax Cuts, Increased Spending Are the Real Cause

DES MOINES – Jim Nussle once again tried to justify soaring budget deficits to Dubuque voters this weekend by blaming the war on terror. However, even conservative think tanks blame increased federal spending and tax cuts for wealthy Americans for the largest budget deficits in America’s history.

In a Dubuque Telegraph Herald article from February 4th, Nussle claims, "The huge deficit was caused more by Osama bin Laden than George W. Bush.” However, the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities reported in January, 2004, that the Bush tax cuts are three times more responsible for deficits than war and defense funding. [Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. 1/26/04]  Even the conservative Heritage Foundation has said, “’Defense and 9/11 are not responsible for most of the spending increases.’” [Washington Post, 10/3/05]
Last week, the U.S. House narrowly passed the FY06 budget reconciliation bill that Nussle claimed would save taxpayers $40 billion over ten years. However, the House will soon take up a bill approving $60 billion in tax cuts that negate any savings and adds $20 billion to the federal deficit. Nussle has voiced support for these budget-busting tax cuts.

“Nussle’s argument that the exploding budget deficits are caused by September 11th and the war in Iraq just don’t ring true,” said Iowa Democratic Party Executive Director Mike Milligan. “When will Nussle finally tell Iowa voters the truth: that out of control Republican spending policies and extreme tax cuts for the richest Americans are to blame for federal deficits?”

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