A Clinton is running for president. Batman is back in theaters. The Alabama Crimson Tide are NCAA football champions. And Senate candidate Russ Feingold is promising to address federal spending.
Except for Joe Biden’s view on allowing the American people to have a voice on the Supreme Court vacancy, 2016 appears to be the new 1992.
As businessman Ron Johnson highlights in his must-watch ad, Senator Feingold’s recent promise to "bring down the deficit" may sound familiar. Russ‘s rhetoric is like a time capsule from 1992.
FEINGOLD FLASHBACK:
When Feingold Was Elected In 1992, He Said The Deficit Was The Top Of His Agenda:
- FEINGOLD: “The top of my agenda is the federal deficit, making sure that as we go forward to try to get the country moving again from an economic point of view that we don’t forget that part of that has to be a serious plan to reduce the federal deficit over the next four or five years.” (Sen.-Elect Russ Feingold, Remarks At Press Conference, Washington, DC, 11/9/92)
Unfortunately for Senator Feingold, he has a record.
The only fitness from his so-called "Fiscal Fitness Plan" should entail running from that record.
In addition to voting in favor of higher taxes more than 270 times and against a balanced budget amendment at least four times, the national debt ballooned by $9.8 trillion during his eighteen years in Washington:
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When Feingold Took Office In January 1993, The National Debt Was $4,167,872,986,583.67 ($4.2 Trillion) (Treasury Department’s Debt To The Penny, Accessed 6/16/15)
- The National Debt As Of January 3, 2011 When Feingold Left Office: $13,997,932,781,828.89. ($14 Trillion) (Treasury Department’s Debt To The Penny, Accessed 6/16/15)
Senator Feingold’s broken promises aren’t nostalgic; they’re cringe-worthy.
Mr. Clean should let his Hollywood donors stick to making remakes from the nineties.
BACKGROUND:
Feingold Voted Against A Balanced Budget Amendment At Least Four Times:
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In March 1997, Feingold Voted Against Passing A Joint Resolution To Propose A Constitutional Amendment. “Passage of the joint resolution to propose a constitutional amendment to balance the budget by the year 2002 or two years after ratification by three-fourths of the states, whichever is later.” (S. J. Res. 1, CQ Vote #24: Rejected 66-34: R 55-0; D 11-34, 3/4/97, Feingold Voted Nay)
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In June 1996, Feingold Voted Against Passing A Balanced Budget Amendment. “Passage of the joint resolution to propose a constitutional amendment to balance the budget by the year 2002 or two years after ratification by three-fourths of the states, whichever is later. Three-fifths of the entire House and Senate would be required to approve deficit spending or an increase in the public debt limit. A simple majority could waive the requirement in times of war or in the face of a serious military threat. The courts would be prohibited from raising taxes or cutting spending unless specifically authorized by Congress.” (H. J. Res. 1, CQ Vote #158: Rejected 64-35: R 52-1; D 12-34, 6/6/96, Feingold Voted Nay)
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In March 1995, Feingold Voted Against Passing A Joint Resolution To Propose A Constitutional Balanced Budget Amendment. “Passage of the joint resolution to propose a constitutional amendment to balance the budget by the year 2002 or two years after ratification by three-fourths of the states, whichever is later. Three-fifths of the entire House and Senate would be required to approve deficit spending or an increase in the public debt limit. A simple majority could waive the requirement in times of war or in the face of a serious military threat. The courts would be prohibited from raising taxes or cutting spending unless specifically authorized by Congress.” (H. J. Res. 1, CQ Vote #98: Rejected 65-35: R 51-2; D 14-33, 3/2/95, Feingold Voted Nay)
- In March 1994, Feingold Voted Against Passing A Joint Resolution Proposing A Constitutional Amendment To Require A Balanced Budget By 2001 Or The Second Fiscal Year After Ratification, Whichever Is Later. “Passage of the joint resolution to propose a constitutional amendment to require a balanced budget by 2001 or the second fiscal year after ratification by three-fourths of the states, whichever is later. Congress could waive the balanced-budget requirement if three-fifths of the House and Senate approved deficit spending, or by a simple majority when a declaration of war was in effect or when there was a threat to national security. The amendment would prohibit the courts from ordering tax increases or spending cuts unless specifically authorized by Congress.” (S. J. Res. 41, CQ Vote #48: Rejected 63-37: R 41-3; D 22-34, 3/1/94, Feingold Voted Nay)