Speaking on CBS’ 60 Minutes last night about the current problems in the Middle East, President Obama said:

“I was pretty certain and continue to be pretty certain that there are going to be bumps in the road…” (CBS’s “60 Minutes,” 9/23/12)

These are the same words he used about our economic problems in a speech last year:

“There are always going to be bumps on the road to recovery.” (President Barack Obama, Remarks, Toledo, OH, 6/3/11)

“It’s typical of President Obama and the Democrat leadership to dismiss serious problems as being ‘bumps in the road’.  While they might just be inconvenient to them, to everyone else, these ‘bumps in the road’ are real and they amount to some of the biggest diplomatic and economic challenges we’ve seen in our lifetime,” NRSC spokesman Jahan Wilcox said today.  “Liberal New York Democrat Bob Kerrey needs to tell Nebraskans whether he shares President Obama’s casual view of the position we’re in.  Voters want and expect strong leadership from their elected officials, as well as real policy solutions, but these are not things we are seeing from Democrats in Washington these days.”

President Obama and congressional Democrats are dismissive of these problems even as evidence mounts about the scale of the challenges this country faces. On the economy, the recovery continues to be long, slow and hard for families across America:

• More Than Twenty-Three Million Americans Are Unemployed, Underemployed, Or Have Stopped Looking For Work. (Bureau Of Labor Statistics, www.bls.gov, 9/10/12)

• The Latest Jobs Report Showed The “Economy Slogged Along For The 43rd Month In A Row With Joblessness Above 8 Percent.” “American employers added 96,000 jobs in August, the Labor Department reported Friday. The unemployment rate fell to 8.1 percent as the economy slogged along for the 43rd month in a row with joblessness above 8 percent.” (Susanna Kim, “August Jobs Report: Unemployment Falls To 8.1 Percent,” ABC News, 9/7/12)

• In August, The Unemployment Rate Either Increased Or Was Unchanged In 38 States. “The Labor Department says rates increased in 26 states. They fell in 12 states and were unchanged in the other 12.” (Christopher S. Rugaber, “Unemployment Rates Rise In Half Of US States,” The Associated Press, 9/21/12)

• “A Record 46.7 Million Americans Received Food Stamps In June…” “A record 46.7 million Americans received food stamps in June, up 0.4 percent from the previous month, the government said. Participation was 3.3 percent higher than a year earlier and has remained higher than 46 million all year as the unemployment rate has stagnated just above 8 percent. New jobless numbers will be released Sept. 7.” (Alan Bjera, “Food-Stamp Use Climbed To Record 46.7 Million In June, U.S. Says,” Bloomberg, 9/4/12)

In the Middle East, commentators worry about the direction the Middle East is taking:

• The Wall Street Journal: “Mideast Turmoil Spreads” (The Wall Street Journal, 9/14/12)

• Bloomberg: “U.S. Officials Concerned Over What Follows Arab Spring”(Bloomberg, 9/12/12)

• The Associated Press: “Arab Winter? Spreading Anti-American Unrest Prompts Debate On US Policy In The Arab World” (The Associated Press, 9/14/12)

• The New York Times: “U.S. Is Preparing For A Long Siege Of Arab Unrest” (The New York Times, 9/15/12)

The post NRSC TO BOB KERREY: ARE ECONOMIC AND DIPLOMATIC PROBLEMS JUST “BUMPS IN THE ROAD”??? appeared first on NRSC - National Republican Senatorial Committee.

“President Obama and liberal New York Democrat Bob Kerrey have long supported higher taxes, bigger government and increased spending, so their support for yet another massive tax hike on Nebraska small businesses comes as little surprise.  But in the wake of another weak jobs report, a massive health care bill that increases taxes on the middle class and a growing $15 trillion debt, why can’t Bob Kerrey answer one very simple question – how does raising taxes on Nebraska small businesses create jobs?”  — Jahan Wilcox, NRSC Press Secretary
BACKGROUND … 

FLASHBACK – President Obama: “The Last Thing You Want To Do Is Raise Taxes In The Middle Of A Recession.” (President Obama, Remarks During An Interview With NBC, Elkhart, IN, 8/5/09)

OBAMA-KERREY SOLUTION FOR THE 23 MILLION AMERICANS STRUGGLING TO FIND WORK IS TO RAISE TAXES ON JOB CREATORS AND SMALL BUSINESSES

• Roughly 940,000 small businesses will be hit by a big tax hike. According to the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), “75 percent of small businesses are organized as pass-through entities meaning they pay taxes on their business income at the individual rate.” The Joint Committee on Taxation (JCT) estimates the tax hike would hit about 940,000 small businesses (see more here from ABC News). 

• Half of all small business income would face higher taxes. According to Bloomberg News, analysis by JCT also shows President Obama’s plan for massive tax hikes “would mean higher taxes on 53 percent of business income reported on individual returns.”

• More than a quarter of American workers’ jobs are at risk. “According to U.S. Census data,” says NFIB, small businesses “employ more than 25 percent of the total workforce.” Raising taxes on small businesses threatens these jobs – the last thing we need to do in a weak economy. 

Today’s Economy Weaker Than When Obama Extended All Tax Rates

 2010 Economic Growth: 3.1%

Real GDP growth over the four quarters before Dec. 2010 tax rate extension: 3.1% (“Table 1.1.1, Percent Change From Preceding Period In Real Gross Domestic Product,” Bureau Of Economic Analysis, Accessed 7/9/12) 

2012 Economic Growth: 2.0%

Real GDP growth over the previous four quarters: 2.0% (“Table 1.1.1, Percent Change From Preceding Period In Real Gross Domestic Product,” Bureau Of Economic Analysis, Accessed 7/9/12) 

In 2010, Obama Said Tax Increases ‘Would Have Been A Blow To Our Economy’

PRESIDENT OBAMA: “…tax rates for every American were poised to automatically increase on January 1st… would have been a blow to our economy just as we’re climbing out of a devastating recession.” (President Obama, Remarks At Bill Signing, 12/17/10) 

• OBAMA: “If we allow these taxes to go up, the result would be that a lot of people most likely would spend less, and that means that the economy would grow less.” (President Obama, Remarks, Kokomo, IN, 11/23/10) 

• OBAMA: “You don’t raise taxes in a recession.” (“Obama: We Must ‘Help Elkhart Reinvent Itself,’” MSNBC, 8/5/09; Video Here)

BOB KERREY’S TAX-AND-SPEND RECORD, JUST LIKE OBAMA’S 

Kerrey Cast The Deciding Vote In Favor Of President Clinton’s Massive Tax Increases In 1993. (H.R. 2264, CQ Vote #247: Adopted 50-50: R 0-44; D 50-6, 8/6/93, Kerrey Voted Yea; Helen Dewar, “Nebraskan Criticizes All Involved,” The Washington Post, 8/7/93)

• Kerrey Called It “The Biggest Tax Increase In The History Of The Country.” KERREY: “But, you know, we–you know, Tom, two days later, we vote for the biggest tax increase in the history of the country.” (NBC’S, “Meet The Press,” 1/23/00)

The Clinton White House Lobbied Kerrey Hard On The Vote, Even Joking They Would Rename A Room In The White House After Him If He Voted Yes. “So with only his vote separating victory from defeat, the White House staged a frantic campaign to convince Mr. Kerrey that, yes, a moral consensus could still be achieved. It started with a 90-minute meeting with Mr. Clinton this morning in the White House living quarters. Officials were so solicitous that they moved Mr. Kerrey’s car in a downpour so he would not have to face a pack of reporters waiting for him outside. Dee Dee Myers, the White House press secretary, joked that a room in the White House might be renamed in Mr. Kerrey’s honor if he voted right.” (Richard L. Berke, “Walk Offstage, Holding Fate Of Budget,” The New York Times, 8/7/93)

The post Obama, Kerrey Want Higher Taxes On Small Businesses, But Can’t Explain How That Will Create More Jobs appeared first on NRSC - National Republican Senatorial Committee.

After liberal New York Democrat Bob Kerrey announced that he was supporting ObamaCare, the Supreme Court today has affirmed Kerrey’s support of President Obama’s agenda ahead of Nebraska seniors and small businesses.  In doing so, the Court has made clear what is at stake in November’s election.

“The Supreme Court’s decision makes clear that the only way to stop the massive tax increases, government spending, and cuts to Medicare contained in the healthcare law is to elect Republican State Senator Deb Fischer who will work to repeal ObamaCare,” National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) spokesman Jahan Wilcox said today.

BACKGROUND….

Kerrey Supported The Individual Mandate

In March 2012, Kerrey Said He Supported The Individual Mandate In Obamacare. “Kerrey also has no comprehensive plan, although he opposes the repeal of the health care law and supports its individual mandate. He said the reality is that people without insurance can go to an emergency room knowing their costs will be covered by others. Those people should be required to pay for their care via mandated insurance coverage, Kerrey said.” (Robynn Tysver, “Senate Hopefuls Would Repeal Health Law,” Omaha World-Herald, 3/31/12)

But In January 2011, Kerrey Told A Greenwich Village Newspaper That The Federal Government Didn’t Have The Power To Mandate Insurance, And Predicted The Supreme Court Would Overturn The Individual Mandate. “As for the health bill, Kerrey noted, ‘The federal government can’t say you have to buy insurance.’ The Supreme Court will likely rule against that provision, he predicted.” (Lincoln Anderson, “Kerrey Pines For His Political Voice Post-School Presidency,” The Villager, 1/5/11)

• KERREY: “The Federal Government Can’t Say You Have To Buy Insurance.” (Lincoln Anderson, “Kerrey Pines For His Political Voice Post-School Presidency,” The Villager, 1/5/11)

And Kerrey Said He Would’ve Voted For ObamaCare If He Was In The Senate

Kerrey Said Ben Nelson Made The Right Decisions Voting For ObamaCare, And He Too Would Have Voted For It. KERREY: “It’s a huge problem. I think the Affordable Health Care Act makes things better, but it still isn’t done. There’s still plenty of work to be done. Anybody that says otherwise is ignoring the facts.” (WLKN-TV, 1/15/12)

“Kerrey Said He Would Have Voted For The 2010 Health Care Overhaul, Though He Wants Some Changes.” (Laura Litvan, “Kerrey Not Nebraska Favorite Son After Decade In New York,” Bloomberg, 6/5/12)

KERREY: “How Else Are You Going To Get Rid Of The Uninsured Problem Unless You Bring A Little More Government Into The Transaction?” (Fox Business Network’s, “Imus In The Morning,” 2/26/10)

In August 2009, Kerrey Said “I Still Believe The President Is Right, And That Doing Nothing Is Bad.” “‘It is one of those situations that you really can get damned if you do and damned if you don’t,’ said former Sen. Bob Kerrey, D-Neb., who made health care reform the centerpiece of his unsuccessful 1992 presidential campaign and later tried to push various proposals to overhaul the system. ‘It’s very, very difficult.’ ‘It is potentially lose-lose,’ Kerrey added. ‘That said, I still believe the president is right, and that doing nothing is bad. It will get worse. The system itself is rewarding the wrong thing. There is good reason to change the system.’” (Kirk Victor, “Are Dems Risking A Lose-Lose Situation?” The National Journal, 8/1/09)

ADDITIONAL BACKGROUND… 

The Cost Of ObamaCare To Nebraska Alone

The Center For Medicare & Medicaid Studies (CMS) Estimates From 2014 To 2020 ObamaCare Will Cost Nebraska An Additional $95.3 Million. (Edmund Haislmaier and Brian Blasé, “Obamacare: Impact On States,” www.heritage.org, 7/1/10)

And It’s Killing Jobs In The Cornhusker State

Since ObamaCare Passed, “About A Hundred Tanning Businesses In Nebraska Have Had To Close And About 500 Jobs Were Lost.” “Bonn says that since the Federal Sales Tax was added back in 2010, about a hundred tanning businesses in Nebraska have had to close and about 500 jobs were lost.” (“Tanning Salons Getting Burned On Sales Tax,” KPTM, 2/1/12) 

“Unfair” Tax On Tanning Salons In Nebraska Has Some Considering Whether To Close Their Doors And Cut Their Losses. “The recent health care reform bill was meant to help the less fortunate. Some small businesses feel they are being ignored. One clause in the bill institutes a ten percent tax hike for indoor tanning services. It is to help pay for the health risks associated with tanning. Multiple salons in the Hastings area said they feel threatened. Paradise Tanning said they already felt a decrease in business due to the economy. The owner said they will have to reduce employees or worse. ‘It is just unfair to keep passing on more and more cost to our customers. There comes a time where you have to decide whether you should just close your door and cut your losses,’ said Nancy Bumgardner, Paradise Tanning.”  (“New Tax Weighs Heavy On Tanning Salons,” KHAS, 3/29/10)

The post Supreme Court Upholds Bob Kerrey’s Massive Tax Increase & Medicare Cuts On Nebraska Seniors appeared first on NRSC - National Republican Senatorial Committee.

According to Kerrey’s hometown newspaper, he personally spoke with Ben Nelson and convinced him to support the bill and Nelson proceeded to make a backroom deal – commonly known as the Cornhusker Kickback – with Senate Democrat Leader Harry Reid.

As The New York Times reports:

Kerrey Spoke To Ben Nelson About Health Care Reform Days Before The Vote. “To help divine Mr. Nelson’s thinking, a wide array of Democrats have reached out to him in recent days, including former Senators Tom Daschle of South Dakota and Bob Kerrey of Nebraska. In the calls, Mr. Nelson has not disclosed how he is leaning, but his friends say they can sense the pressure he is facing.” (Jeff Zeleny and Robert Pear, “A Race To Woo The 60^th Vote For Health Bill,” The New York Times, 12/18/09)

Notably, Kerrey once said the longer he lives in Greenwich Village, the more liberal he gets on government-run healthcare.

“Not only did liberal New York Democrat Bob Kerrey say he would’ve voted for ObamaCare, he personally told Ben Nelson to vote for the massive takeover of healthcare,” said National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) Jahan Wilcox.  “Between the intrusive mandates and the massive cuts to Medicare, it’s clear Kerrey is just as responsible as Ben Nelson for making ObamaCare the law of the land.”   

The post Bob Kerrey Told Ben Nelson To Vote For ObamaCare appeared first on NRSC - National Republican Senatorial Committee.

A healthcare bill that cut $500 billion from Medicare, raised taxes on small businesses by $500 billion, recognized abortion as a federal benefit and forced every Nebraskan to purchase health insurance.

As WLKN-TV reports:

Notably, Kerrey once said the longer he lives in Greenwich Village, the more liberal he gets on government-run healthcare.

“Liberal New York Democrat Bob Kerrey doubled-down on ObamaCare when he recently admitted that he still supports this intrusive, job-killing law,” said National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) Jahan Wilcox.  “It’s just another reminder that in Washington, Bob Kerrey will be a key ally in advancing President Barack Obama’s liberal agenda.”    

The post Bob Kerrey Tells Nebraskans That He Would Have Voted For ObamaCare appeared first on NRSC - National Republican Senatorial Committee.

In another attempt to reconnect with the Cornhusker State, liberal New York Democrat Bob Kerrey is telling Nebraskans that he supports tax relief for middle class families, yet while in the Senate he supported a healthcare proposal that hit every Nebraska worker with a new tax.

Kerrey sponsored a healthcare bill – the Health USA Act of 1991 – that was paid for by a 5 percent tax increase on small business owners, a 4 percent tax increase on employers per employee and a 1 percent tax increase on every working American.

The final tally for Kerrey’s healthcare bill was $235 billion in new taxes and remarkably he admitted on CSPAN that it would take a lot of time – particularly in Nebraska – to argue for these tax increases.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE VIDEO

“Bob Kerrey hasn’t met a tax increase he didn’t like, which is why his latest ploy of claiming he supports tax relief for families is falling on deaf ears in Nebraska,” said National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) spokesman Jahan Wilcox.

BACKGROUND …

Kerrey’s Health Care Plan Included $235 Billion In New Taxes

KERREY: “Well, This Bill Has Me Replacing One Method Of Payment, Premiums, With $235 Billion Worth Of Taxes. … This Will Take A Great Deal Of Time, Particularly In Nebraska, To Argue The Details Of It.” (C-SPAN, 7/17/91)

Kerrey’s Plan Levied A 1% Surtax On Every American Worker. “In addition to the taxes imposed by the preceding subsections, there is hereby imposed on the income of every individual a tax equal to 1 percent of the wages (as defined in section 3121(a)) received by such individual after December 31, 1992, with respect to employment (as defined in section 3121(b)).” (S. 1446, Introduced 7/11/91)

Kerrey’s Plan Levied A 4% Tax On Employers Per Employee. “In addition to the taxes imposed by the preceding subsections, there is hereby imposed on every employer an excise tax, with respect to having individuals in such employer’s employ, equal to 4 percent (5 percent, if an election is in effect as described in section 3101(c)(2)) of the wages (as defined in section 3121(a)) paid by such employer in excess of $30,000 during each calendar year beginning after December 31, 1992, with respect to employment (as defined in section 3121(b)).’.” (S. 1446, Introduced 7/11/91)

Kerrey’s Plan Levied A 5% Tax On The Self-Employed. “In addition to the taxes imposed by the preceding subsections, there shall be imposed for each taxable year, on the self-employment income of every individual, a tax equal to 5 percent of the amount of the self-employment income for such taxable year.’.” (S. 1446, Introduced 7/11/91)

Kerrey’s Plan Increased Marginal Tax Rates. “IN GENERAL- The tables in subsections (a), (b), (c), (d), and (e) of section 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to tax imposed) are each amended by striking ‘31%’ and inserting ‘33%’ each place it appears.”

Kerrey’s Bill Included Tax Increases On Cigarettes And Alcohol. (S. 1446, Introduced 7/11/91)

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In 1991, Kerrey Supported A Healthcare Plan That Levied A New Tax On Every American Worker

WASHINGTON – In another attempt to reconnect with the Cornhusker State, liberal New York Democrat Bob Kerrey is telling Nebraskans that he supports tax relief for middle class families, yet while in the Senate he supported a healthcare proposal that hit every Nebraska worker with a new tax.

Kerrey sponsored a healthcare bill – the Health USA Act of 1991 – that was paid for by a 5 percent tax increase on small business owners, a 4 percent tax increase on employers per employee and a 1 percent tax increase on every working American.

The final tally for Kerrey’s healthcare bill was $235 billion in new taxes and remarkably he admitted on CSPAN that it would take a lot of time – particularly in Nebraska – to argue for these tax increases.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE VIDEO

“Bob Kerrey hasn’t met a tax increase he didn’t like, which is why his latest ploy of claiming he supports tax relief for families is falling on deaf ears in Nebraska,” said National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) spokesman Jahan Wilcox.

BACKGROUND …

Kerrey’s Health Care Plan Included $235 Billion In New Taxes

KERREY: “Well, This Bill Has Me Replacing One Method Of Payment, Premiums, With $235 Billion Worth Of Taxes. … This Will Take A Great Deal Of Time, Particularly In Nebraska, To Argue The Details Of It.” (C-SPAN, 7/17/91)

Kerrey’s Plan Levied A 1% Surtax On Every American Worker. “In addition to the taxes imposed by the preceding subsections, there is hereby imposed on the income of every individual a tax equal to 1 percent of the wages (as defined in section 3121(a)) received by such individual after December 31, 1992, with respect to employment (as defined in section 3121(b)).” (S. 1446, Introduced 7/11/91)

Kerrey’s Plan Levied A 4% Tax On Employers Per Employee. “In addition to the taxes imposed by the preceding subsections, there is hereby imposed on every employer an excise tax, with respect to having individuals in such employer’s employ, equal to 4 percent (5 percent, if an election is in effect as described in section 3101(c)(2)) of the wages (as defined in section 3121(a)) paid by such employer in excess of $30,000 during each calendar year beginning after December 31, 1992, with respect to employment (as defined in section 3121(b)).’.” (S. 1446, Introduced 7/11/91)

Kerrey’s Plan Levied A 5% Tax On The Self-Employed. “In addition to the taxes imposed by the preceding subsections, there shall be imposed for each taxable year, on the self-employment income of every individual, a tax equal to 5 percent of the amount of the self-employment income for such taxable year.’.” (S. 1446, Introduced 7/11/91)

Kerrey’s Plan Increased Marginal Tax Rates. “IN GENERAL- The tables in subsections (a), (b), (c), (d), and (e) of section 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to tax imposed) are each amended by striking ‘31%’ and inserting ‘33%’ each place it appears.”

Kerrey’s Bill Included Tax Increases On Cigarettes And Alcohol. (S. 1446, Introduced 7/11/91)

The post In 1991, Kerrey Supported A Healthcare Plan That Levied A New Tax On Every American Worker appeared first on NRSC - National Republican Senatorial Committee.

Last week, Bob Kerrey’s campaign told the Lincoln Journal Star that the former Senator supports tax relief for middle class families in Nebraska, but it’s just phony campaign rhetoric seeing that Kerrey strongly advocated for a British Thermal Unit (BTU) tax, which would call for a general tax on all energy products.

The BTU tax would be devastating on farmers in the Cornhusker State because the industry is heavily reliant on energy.  Additionally, Kerrey voted against exempting this job-killing tax for off-road diesel fuel equipment and from the production of ethanol.

“Bob Kerrey put the interests of radical environmentalists ahead of Nebraska during his time in Washington when he supported a job-killing BTU energy tax on farmers in the Cornhusker State,” said National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) spokesman Jahan Wilcox.  “Unlike Kerrey, Deb Fischer is a rancher and will always stand up for the hard-working families in Nebraska.”

BACKGROUND …

Kerrey Supported A BTU Tax That Would Be Devastating To Nebraska Farmers 

Kerrey Told President Clinton That He Had “The Right Idea” With The BTU Tax. KERREY: “You had the right idea, Mr. President, with the Btu tax. And when we came after you with both barrels blazing, threatening to walk if you did not yield, you should have let us walk. You should have said to us that at least we would be exercising something other than our mouths.” (Sen. Bob Kerrey, Congressional Record, 8/6/93, p. S10706)

Kerrey Voted Against An Amendment That Would Have Removed The BTU Tax From Clinton’s Budget Resolution. “Nickles, R-Okla., amendment to cut $72.9 billion over five years from the revenue account in the resolution to reflect elimination of any new energy (Btu) tax and to cut an equal amount in spending in order to maintain the overall deficit reduction targets.” (S. Con. Res. 18, CQ Vote #40: Rejected 46-53: R 43-0; D 3-53, 3/18/93, Kerrey Voted Nay)

Kerrey Voted Against Amendments That Would Have Protected Farmers From The Tax

Kerrey Voted Against An Exemption From The BTU Tax For Off-Road Diesel Used For Farming. “Sasser, D-Tenn., motion to table (kill) the Burns, R-Mont., amendment to reduce the revenue levels in the resolution to allow for an exemption for off-road diesel fuel used for farming from the energy (Btu) tax and cut spending by the same amount to meet the same deficit-reduction targets.” (S. Con. Res. 18, CQ Vote #66: Motion agreed to 54-44: R 0-42; D 54-2, 3/24/93, Kerrey Voted Yea)

Kerrey Voted Against An Exemption From The BTU Tax For Ethanol. “Sasser, D-Tenn., motion to table (kill) the Durenberger, R-Minn., amendment to reduce the revenue levels in the resolution to allow for an exemption from the energy (Btu) tax for ethanol and cut spending by the same amount to meet the same deficit-reduction targets.” (S. Con. Res. 18, CQ Vote #68: Motion agreed to 55-43: R 2-40; D 53-3, 3/24/93, Kerrey Voted Yea)

A BTU Tax Would Crush The Agricultural Industry

“Agriculture Is An Energy-Intensive Enterprise And The So-Called BTU Tax Would Ripple Across The Farming Districts Like An Ill Wind.” (James Bornemeier, “State’s Democrats Split On Budget Vote,” The Los Angeles Times, 5/28/93)

“President Clinton’s Energy Tax Plan Would Pour $70 Billion Into The Federal Trough, But Grain And Hog Farmers Say It Would Cost Them Plenty. The Costs To A Typical Hog Farmer, For Example, Would Be An Additional 73 Cents A Head, According To The National Pork Producers Council.” (George Gunset, “Farmers Feel Hogtied By Clinton’s Energy Tax,” Chicago Tribune, 4/13/93)

The Fertilizer Institute Estimated The BTU Tax Would Cost The Typical 700-Acre Corn Producer $5,159 A Year. “Numbers crunched by the Fertilizer Institute estimate that the Btu tax would reduce nitrogen and phosphate application rates and also produce an increased cost of 78 cents an acre. The trade group expects a decline in yield of 3 bushels and a drop in revenues of $7.37 an acre. So, a typical 700-acre corn producer would bear annual additional costs of $5,159.” (George Gunset, “Farmers Feel Hogtied By Clinton’s Energy Tax,” Chicago Tribune, 4/13/93)

The National Pork Producers Council President Said The BTU Tax “Will Weaken Our Industry’s Economic Growth, Increase Production Costs And Reduce Our Competitive Position In The International Marketplace.” “Karl Johnson, council president, in a letter to Congress, said the Btu tax ‘will weaken our industry’s economic growth, increase production costs and reduce our competitive position in the international marketplace. ‘A new energy tax would place a new economic burden on the pork industry and U.S. agriculture when we all face more competitive markets at home and abroad.’” (George Gunset, “Farmers Feel Hogtied By Clinton’s Energy Tax,” Chicago Tribune, 4/13/93)

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In 1990, Kerrey supported a budget resolution that raised the gas tax by 5 cents a gallon.  Three years later, he cast the deciding vote in favor of President Clinton’s budget, which raised the federal gas tax by 4.3 cents.

That’s not all; Kerrey said he would be “ashamed” if anybody complained about the gas tax hike, and said he could have supported a larger 7.7 cent per gallon tax increase.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH BOB KERREY

“Bob Kerrey claims he supports tax relief for Nebraskans, yet during his tenure in Washington he voted to raise the federal gas tax,” said National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) spokesman Jahan Wilcox.  “With the average price of gasoline at $3.44, it’s clear Nebraskans can’t afford Kerrey’s tax-and-spend agenda.”    

BACKGROUND …

Throughout The Years Bob Kerrey Has Voted Multiple Times To Raise The Federal Gas Tax

In 1993, Kerrey Cast The Deciding Vote In Favor Of President Clinton’s Budget, Which Raised The Federal Gas Tax 4.3 Cents. (H.R. 2264, CQ Vote #247: Adopted 50-50: R 0-44; D 50-6, 8/6/93, Kerrey Voted Yea; David E. Rosenbaum, “Clinton Wins Approval Of His Budget Plan As Gore Votes To Break Senate Deadlock,” The New York Times, 8/7/93)

In 1990, Kerrey Voted For A Budget Resolution That Raised The Gas Tax 5 Cents. (H.R. 5835, CQ Vote #326: Adopted 54-45: R 19-25; D 35-20,10/27/90, Kerrey Voted Yea; Mark Potts, “The Proposed Taxes,” The Washington Post, 10/26/90)

Kerrey Said He Would Have Supported Even Larger Increases

Kerrey Said The U.S. “Could Stand” A 7.7 Cent Per Gallon Tax Hike. “’I don’t feel the great challenge in America today is trying to debate whether or not it’s going to be 4.3 cents per gallon or 7.7 cents per gallon. I think we could stand either one,’ Kerrey said on NBC’s ‘Meet the Press.’” (H. Josef Hebert, “White House Doesn’t Support Utility Tax,” The Associated Press, 7/19/93)

Kerrey Said He Would Be “Ashamed” If Anyone Complained About The Gas Tax Hike

Kerrey Said He Would Be “Ashamed” If Anybody Complained About The Gas Tax Hike. “Unlike most other lawmakers, who were concerned that the package asked too much sacrifice, Kerrey was angered that the only tax to be paid by the middle class in this plan is a 4.3-cent increase in the gas tax. ‘If they notice, I’ll be surprised,’ Kerrey said. ‘And if they complain, I will be ashamed.’” (Jill Dutt and Martin Kasindorf, “A Done Deal,” Newsday, 8/7/93)

• KERREY: “Instead, We Find Ourselves With A Bill That Asks Americans To Pay 4.3 Cents A Gallon More. If They Notice, I Will Be Surprised. And If They Complain, I Will Be Ashamed.” (Sen. Bob Kerrey, Congressional Record, 8/6/93, p. S10706)

Kerrey Sponsored Several Bills To Raise The Gas Tax

In 1994, Kerrey Sponsored An Amendment To Express A Sense Of The Senate That A Disaster Relief Bill For A California Earthquake Be Paid For With A Temporary Gas Tax Hike. (S. Amdt. 1439 To H.R. 3759, Introduced 2/9/94; Alan C. Miller, “Earthquake: The Long Road Back,” The Los Angeles Times, 2/9/94)

In 1993, Kerrey Sponsored An Amendment To Express A Sense Of The Senate That A Disaster Relief Bill For Floods In The Midwest Be Paid For With A Temporary Gas Tax Hike. (S. Amdt. 697 To H.R. 2519, Introduced 7/27/93; Alan C. Miller, “Earthquake: The Long Road Back,” The Los Angeles Times, 2/9/94)

While Running For President In 1992, Kerrey Said He Would Consider Increases In The Gas Tax To Support Mass Transport Programs. “When asked if he would support increases in the federal gas tax to support mass transport programs, Kerrey said that he would consider it, but has no specific plans at this point.” (“Four Democratic Hopefuls Quizzed At NH Schools,” The Associated Press, 2/6/92)

The post Kerrey Voted To Raise The Federal Gas Tax appeared first on NRSC - National Republican Senatorial Committee.

Last week, Bob Kerrey’s campaign told the Lincoln Journal Star that the former Senator supports tax relief for middle class families in Nebraska, yet Kerrey’s record shows that he’s voted to raise the gas tax on Nebraskans.

In 1990, Kerrey supported a budget resolution that raised the gas tax by 5 cents a gallon.  Three years later, he cast the deciding vote in favor of President Clinton’s budget, which raised the federal gas tax by 4.3 cents.

That’s not all; Kerrey said he would be “ashamed” if anybody complained about the gas tax hike, and said he could have supported a larger 7.7 cent per gallon tax increase.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH BOB KERREY

“Bob Kerrey claims he supports tax relief for Nebraskans, yet during his tenure in Washington he voted to raise the federal gas tax,” said National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) spokesman Jahan Wilcox.  “With the average price of gasoline at $3.44, it’s clear Nebraskans can’t afford Kerrey’s tax-and-spend agenda.”    

BACKGROUND …

Throughout The Years Bob Kerrey Has Voted Multiple Times To Raise The Federal Gas Tax 

In 1993, Kerrey Cast The Deciding Vote In Favor Of President Clinton’s Budget, Which Raised The Federal Gas Tax 4.3 Cents. (H.R. 2264, CQ Vote #247: Adopted 50-50: R 0-44; D 50-6, 8/6/93, Kerrey Voted Yea; David E. Rosenbaum, “Clinton Wins Approval Of His Budget Plan As Gore Votes To Break Senate Deadlock,” The New York Times, 8/7/93)

 In 1990, Kerrey Voted For A Budget Resolution That Raised The Gas Tax 5 Cents. (H.R. 5835, CQ Vote #326: Adopted 54-45: R 19-25; D 35-20,10/27/90, Kerrey Voted Yea; Mark Potts, “The Proposed Taxes,” The Washington Post, 10/26/90)

Kerrey Said He Would Have Supported Even Larger Increases

Kerrey Said The U.S. “Could Stand” A 7.7 Cent Per Gallon Tax Hike. “’I don’t feel the great challenge in America today is trying to debate whether or not it’s going to be 4.3 cents per gallon or 7.7 cents per gallon. I think we could stand either one,’ Kerrey said on NBC’s ‘Meet the Press.’” (H. Josef Hebert, “White House Doesn’t Support Utility Tax,” The Associated Press, 7/19/93)

Kerrey Said He Would Be “Ashamed” If Anyone Complained About The Gas Tax Hike

Kerrey Said He Would Be “Ashamed” If Anybody Complained About The Gas Tax Hike. “Unlike most other lawmakers, who were concerned that the package asked too much sacrifice, Kerrey was angered that the only tax to be paid by the middle class in this plan is a 4.3-cent increase in the gas tax. ‘If they notice, I’ll be surprised,’ Kerrey said. ‘And if they complain, I will be ashamed.’” (Jill Dutt and Martin Kasindorf, “A Done Deal,” Newsday, 8/7/93)

• KERREY: “Instead, We Find Ourselves With A Bill That Asks Americans To Pay 4.3 Cents A Gallon More. If They Notice, I Will Be Surprised. And If They Complain, I Will Be Ashamed.” (Sen. Bob Kerrey, Congressional Record, 8/6/93, p. S10706)

Kerrey Sponsored Several Bills To Raise The Gas Tax

In 1994, Kerrey Sponsored An Amendment To Express A Sense Of The Senate That A Disaster Relief Bill For A California Earthquake Be Paid For With A Temporary Gas Tax Hike. (S. Amdt. 1439 To H.R. 3759, Introduced 2/9/94; Alan C. Miller, “Earthquake: The Long Road Back,” The Los Angeles Times, 2/9/94)

In 1993, Kerrey Sponsored An Amendment To Express A Sense Of The Senate That A Disaster Relief Bill For Floods In The Midwest Be Paid For With A Temporary Gas Tax Hike. (S. Amdt. 697 To H.R. 2519, Introduced 7/27/93; Alan C. Miller, “Earthquake: The Long Road Back,” The Los Angeles Times, 2/9/94) 

While Running For President In 1992, Kerrey Said He Would Consider Increases In The Gas Tax To Support Mass Transport Programs. “When asked if he would support increases in the federal gas tax to support mass transport programs, Kerrey said that he would consider it, but has no specific plans at this point.” (“Four Democratic Hopefuls Quizzed At NH Schools,” The Associated Press, 2/6/92)

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