As the House Budget Committee prepares to vote on the Democrats’ contentious health care reconciliation package today, one Senate hopeful and self-proclaimed “moderate” will be noticeably absent: U.S. Representative Charlie Melancon (D-LA), who decided to abandon his post on the committee earlier this month.

Instead of taking the tough votes today and standing up for Louisiana families, seniors, and small business owners, Melancon stepped down from the Budget Committee less than two weeks ago – before he was forced to choose between the liberal House leaders and his constituents. Notably, during his tenure on the Budget Committee Melancon bucked moderate Blue Dog Democrats on a number of key votes against legislative initiatives that would have helped rein in government spending.

“Melancon claims that he’s working for Louisianans as a ‘moderate’ in Congress, but his decision to step down from the Budget Committee instead of taking tough votes on the divisive health care reconciliation today demonstrates political cowardice – not political independence. Louisiana families, seniors, and small business owners deserve someone who will fight for them in the Senate – not more empty rhetoric from a Congressman who will run for cover when it matters most,” said National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) spokeswoman Amber Marchand.

Background Information:

In 2009, Melancon Made A Number Of Votes In The House Budget Committee That Were In Lock Step With His Liberal Colleagues:

Melancon Voted Against Extending PAYGO To Discretionary Spending.  “Hensarling, R-Texas – Amendment that would extend the pay-as-you-go rule to discretionary spending by establishing a point of order against an appropriations bill causing a deficit increase relative to the Congressional Budget Office’s baseline.” (H. Con. Res. 85, House Budget Committee, Fiscal 2010 Budget Resolution/Pay As You Go Extension, Rejected 15-24: R 15-0; D 0-24; 3/25/09, Melancon Voted Nay)

Melancon Voted Against An Amendment That Would Stop House Legislation From Increasing Long-Term Unfunded Liabilities. “P. Ryan, R-Wis. – Amendment that would establish a point of order against House legislation that would increase long-term unfunded federal liabilities.” (H. Con. Res. 85, House Budget Committee, Fiscal 2010 Budget Resolution/Unfunded Federal Liabilities, Rejected 14-24: R 14-0; D 0-24; 3/25/09, Melancon Voted Nay)

Melancon Voted Against Preventing The Use Of Energy Reserve Funds For Legislation That Would Create A Cap And Trade Emission Program. “Lummis, R-Wyo. – Amendment that would prevent use of the energy reserve fund for legislation that would impose a cap and trade emissions policy.” (H. Con. Res. 85, House Budget Committee, Fiscal 2010 Budget Resolution/Cap and Trade Restriction, Rejected 15-24: R 15-0; D 0-24; 3/25/09, Melancon Voted Nay)

Melancon Voted Against An Amendment That Didn’t Allow The House To Create Cap-And-Trade Legislation Until Developed Countries Had Also Agreed To Emission Cuts.  “M. Diaz-Balart, R-Fla. – Amendment that would establish a point of order in the House against consideration of any legislation that taxes or levies fees on the carbon content of products or on greenhouse gas emissions until the president has certified that developed countries have agreed to mandatory and substantive greenhouse gas emissions cuts.”  (H. Con. Res. 85, House Budget Committee, Fiscal 2010 Budget Resolution/Developed Countries’ Emissions Standards, Rejected 15-24: R 15-0; D 0-24; 3/25/09, Melancon Voted Nay)

Melancon Voted Against Adopting Blue Dog Budget Proposals, Including Earmark Reform And A Restriction On Rushing Bills To The Floor For Passage. “Campbell, R-Calif. – Amendment that would adopt Blue Dog budget process proposals, including: Inclusion of Congressional Budget Office estimates in conference reports. Mandatory roll call votes on legislation authorizing or providing more than $50 million. Public availability of earmark lists online 48 hours before consideration. Written justification for earmarks in appropriation bills’ reports. Restrictions on ‘same-day’ rules to speed floor consideration of legislation.” (H. Con. Res. 85, House Budget Committee, Fiscal 2010 Budget Resolution/Blue Dog Budget Proposals, Rejected 15-24: R 15-0; D 0-24; 3/25/09, Melancon Voted Nay)