CRS Economist Stands By Tax Cut Study After GOP Successfully Demands Its Withdrawal

[Bill USA]

http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/11/crs-withdraws-study-taxes-growth-mcconnell-hatch.php?ref=fpnewsfeed

The author of a Congressional Research Service study, who found no evidence that tax cuts for high income earners lead to economic growth, is standing by his work, after the legislative branch’s nonpartisan research arm withdrew the report under pressure from Republican leaders. And Democratic principals are demanding to know why CRS caved to GOP pressure.

CRS quietly and quickly pulled the six-week old report, despite the wishes of the research arm’s economic team, the New York Times reported Thursday.

“I wasn’t involved in the decision, as a matter of fact I was on vacation when the decision was made, so I can’t really add anything to what was reported in the NY Times,” Thomas Hungerford, the author of the study, told TPM in an email Thursday afternoon. “However, I certainly stand behind my work.”

Rep. Sander Levin (D-MI) — the top tax writing Democrat in the House — wants CRS to answer for its decision.

“I was deeply disturbed to hear that Mr. Hungerford’s report was taken down in response to political pressure from Congressional Republicans who had ideological objections to the report’s factual findings and conclusion,” Levin wrote in a letter (PDF) to CRS Director Mary Mazanec. “It would be completely inappropriate for CRS to censor one of its analysts simply because participants in the political process found his or her conclusion in conflict with their partisan position. I would like your explanation as to why this report was removed from the CRS website, who made that decision and what considerations led to it.”

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Orrin Hatch (R-UT) voiced concerns with the study. McConnell’s spokesman Don Stewart told the Times that his boss “raised concerns about the methodology and other flaws” and said CRS “decided, on their own, to pull the study pending further review.” The Times reported that McConnell objected to CRS’ use of the phrases “Bush tax cuts” and “tax cuts for the rich,” noting their political connotations. Stewart didn’t immediately respond to a request to elaborate on the concerns about the study’s methodology.
(more)


Democrats have made the report available to interested parties. (go down-load now before Repubs burn the server it's on)

[bariloche]

1. I want to know too!!!

Can anyone here explain to me how it is they caved into the Rethugs???? Why????? Did the Chinless Mitch threaten to kill someone???? Kidnap their firstborn?? Burn their home??? I mean really.....what power is it that they have to exercise over this report???? I am soooooooo frustrated and despising republicans in general.......I wouldn't walk across the street to save one of their lives.........I'm just sick to death of them all....pond scum and excrement.....

[Bill USA]

6. I called my Senators and Congressman to protest this. Seems to me any Senator or Congressman should

Last edited Fri Nov 2, 2012, 05:15 PM - Edit history (1)

be able to request/demand official filing of this report. IF not, READ IT ALL INTO THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD.

THIS DESERVES AND EMAIL/PHONE-CALL CAMPAIGN TO DEMAND PUBLICATION OF REPORT. HAVE GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE PRINT UP A FEW MILLION COPIES AVAILABLE TO WHOEVER REQUESTS ONE (even though you can print the PDF of the report on your printer).

[cbrer]

2. Got it. Thanks for the link.

GOP must be pretty fearful to be so ham handed about this. Only a dyed-in-the-wool RWer could attempt to spin this as anything other than what it is.

[greymattermom]

3. It's public information now

and up to us, Rachel, and anyone who can read a graph to distribute it.

[Uncle Joe]

4. Kicked and recommended.

Thanks for the thread, Bill USA.

[ck4829]

5. Kick