WHEREAS:

            The A to Z spending cut plan as embodied in H.R. 3266 represents misguided economics and foolish policy making because it is based on the assumption that what the economy needs is more deficit reduction; and

WHEREAS:

            Federal spending is not being driven up by discretionary spending which has fallen, as a percentage of economic output, to its lowest level in 30 years; and

WHEREAS:

            Federal spending is also not being driven up by entitlements most of which have remained relatively constant; and

WHEREAS:

            Health spending is the major factor driving up the federal deficit and that is on its own path to reform and should not be dealt with in the hasty and careless manner provided by the A to Z bill; and

WHEREAS:

            The process which the A to Z supporters have established to consider spending cuts — 56 hours on the House floor in which members would be forced to vote on hundreds of amendments, some with no debate, makes a mockery of responsible decision making; and

WHEREAS:

            A single amendment could wipe out major weapons programs, eliminate farm subsidies or health and safety laws, rewrite the tax code, trim child care assistance, slash education programs or reduce benefits to the unemployed, veterans, or food stamp and WIC recipients.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

            AFSCME is opposed to the A to Z spending cut plan; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

            AFSCME strongly urges members of Congress not to cosponsor the A to Z bill, H.R. 3266 or sign the discharge petition, H. Res. 407 to compel floor consideration; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:

            AFSCME urges any member of Congress who has cosponsored the A to Z bill to remove his or her name as a cosponsor.

SUBMITTED BY: 

INTERNATIONAL EXECUTIVE BOARD