"The GOP led Congress passed a huge permanent package of tax measures, but refused to pay for it, adding $2 trillion to the deficit over the next two decades, despite a rule requiring lawmakers to account for new expenditures by offsetting budget cuts or revenue increases. The Tax Reform Act of 1986 was grounded in this rule.It still allows for flexibility in overall discretionary budget increase, but it forces lawmakers to account for the impact of laws that have consequences for federal revenues or mandatory spending. Congress is ignoring the inescapable mathematical realities behind budgeting, advancing a narrow and expensive agenda largely benefiting special interests-adding trillions to the deficit in the coming decades. Their refusal to adhere to Paygo also undermines the long-overdue passage of broad, bipartisan tax reform that would close special interest loopholes.
At www.nytimes.com
