Grover Norquist: ‘Not Continuing a Tax Cut is Not Technically a Tax Increase’
- Posted on July 21, 2011 at 8:29pm by
Billy Hallowell
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Grover Norquist, the president of influential conservative group Americans for Tax Reform (ATR) made some surprising statements about the potential expiration of Bush-era tax cuts. Norquist, whose “Taxpayer Protection Pledge” has become a litmus test for Republican politicians, told The Washington Post editorial board that “Not continuing a tax cut is not technically a tax increase.”
Last week, the leader in tax policy also appeared on a CNN segment called, “Norquist to blame for no debt deal?” Watch it below:
While his statements will likely frustrate some on the right, his openness to tax cut expirations may pave the way for more flexibility in the concessions conservatives are willing to make in the debt ceiling debate. When the Post asked Norquist if voting to let tax cuts expire would be considered a violation of the Pledge, he said, “We wouldn’t hold it that way.” The Post has more:
Of course, letting the tax cuts expire is decidedly not Mr. Norquist’s preference. Indeed, as a matter of policy, he is passionately opposed to a single dime in new tax revenue. But the fact that Mr. Norquist interprets his own pledge to permit such conduct suggests that Republican lawmakers who have been browbeaten into abjuring any tax increase, at any time, for any reason, may not be as boxed in as they believe.
The Pledge, which was launched in 1986 in support of President Ronald Reagan, generally reads as follows (though there are slightly different versions for candidates running for U.S. House, U.S. Senate, gubernatorial and state legislatures):
…I will: ONE, oppose any and all efforts to increase the marginal income tax rate for individuals and business; and TWO, oppose any net reduction or elimination of deductions and credits, unless matched dollar for dollar by further reducing tax rates.
Considering the text contained within, one would assume that any vote in support of allowing tax breaks to expire would essentially be cast against the mantra of opposing and voting “against tax increases.” But, Norquist says otherwise. The Huffington Post reports on the impact his statements could have on the GOP:
…ending the Bush-era tax cuts, which were extended last December by President Barack Obama, could now offer a way to raise revenue for a debt limit deal — without Republicans breaking their pledge against voting to raise taxes.
Watch Norquist debate Chris Matthews on the debt deal and ATR’s Pledge:
With Norquist’s blessing, the debate over taxation and government spending may be able to temper a bit — though there are no guarantees. The debate in Washington continues to be contentious. As the Post reports, the Senate Gang of Six’s re-emergence this week came alongside some Republican senatorial endorsements of a bi-partisan plan that would include $1 trillion in new tax revenue. In response to it, Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) said:
“This is a serious, bipartisan proposal that will help stop Washington from spending money that we don’t have, and I support it.”
Details on the proposal can be found here, but you can find some highlights that cover some of the elements being addressed in the proposal:
The structure of the gang’s proposal mirrors that of the debt reduction commission…It would stabilize the debt by 2014 and reduce it to the still-troubling level of 70 percent of the economy by 2021. It would raise a $1 trillion more in revenue than if the Bush tax cuts were allowed to expire for households earning over $250,000 annually. This money would be generated by overhauling the tax code to reduce deductions while lowering rates, all while maintaining or improving the progressivity of the tax code. This is the sort of pro-growth tax reform that could help energize the economy.
Some claim there may not be time to move these proposals to legislative form before the August 2 debt-ceiling deadline, but Sen. Kent Conrad (D-N.D.), a key member of the gang, believe that a bill will “probably” be ready by that date. This, teamed with Norquist’s openness, could provide a framework for more tempered debate moving forward.
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Comments (96)
Secessionista
Posted on July 21, 2011 at 9:44pmGood, then permanently cancelling the COLA increases on SS and Medicare are not technically cutting those programs, either.
Report Post »CitizenVetUSA
Posted on July 21, 2011 at 11:19pm“Beautiful”……………
Report Post »phillip taheny II
Posted on July 22, 2011 at 6:38amwell they say that you should give wealthy people tax breaks because they create jobs.people incorporate their business to save their personal belongings in case their company gets sued they dont lose their house.so why cant we separate the two when it comes to taxes.cut corparate taxes,not taxes for the wealthy,after all its not the individual that hires its their company. besides they save enough money buying things for personal use but using it for personal use.then you look at S.S.do you really want to stave the guy who work hard his whole life for some rich guy that keep the rich guy rich.its S.S.I. that is abused.people cant work cause their back hurts or they are too over whelmed to concentrate.sick,lame,and lazy.I know when welfare reform happened all the lazy bums went to S.S.I..not the old guy who worked his whole life keeping your fathers business going so you could have the life you have now.tax breaks for businesses,yes.for wealthy,no.punish the old people,no.reform S.S.I to get the lazy bums off,yes
Report Post »old white guy
Posted on July 22, 2011 at 7:07amwhen the cut has become your baseline then it is a tax increase when you raise it. jeez is there anyone with influence out there who has any critical analysis skills.
Report Post »hightide
Posted on July 22, 2011 at 8:14amCOLA’s (Cost of living adjustment’s) are adjusted yearly for inflation. The White House says we have no, or low inflation. So there should be no, or low COLA.
Report Post »ProgressivesAreEvil
Posted on July 22, 2011 at 9:51pmGrover is delusional….whatever the pretext, if you are paying 10% today then 15% tomorrow it’s an increase
Report Post »ICEDRAGONNITE
Posted on July 23, 2011 at 2:24pmOLD WHITE GUY
Report Post »You just don’t get it. Liberal math is just as fuzzy as their thought process, they just hope that there are enough dummies out here to get by.
psst
Posted on July 21, 2011 at 9:43pmCons needs to be weary of Ol’ Grover.
Report Post »Methinks he is not what he pretends to be.Be careful of those who comes to you as a Sheep in Wolves clothing
Kinda like Soetoro pretending to be Hawaiian. Bet he can’ even sing Tiny Bubbles.
psst
Posted on July 21, 2011 at 9:56pmThis binge drinking is getting to me. I had that bassakwards.
Report Post »And I can sing Tiny Bubbles . Guess I’m Hawaiian, unlike Soetoro.
Ok Grover, go change yer clothings.:-)
Sound The Trumpet In Zion
Posted on July 21, 2011 at 10:47pm@psst
Report Post »I don’t know anything about that but I do know that I never said that this has the right to speak for me nor do I know anyone that has given him that right. He is NOT the leader of the way that we want to go. He might be working on something that is to the benefit of us (the citizens) but he is no better that anyone else. Perhaps he should make it perfectly clear to everyone that he is our leader and that while we may agree with him on at lease some issues, that does not mean that he can claim to lead or speak for all of us. Perhaps he should remind himself of this and also that he is not the leader of the republicans in Congress either. From what little I‘ve heard of him I am getting to where I’m thinking that he is thinking that he is leading us all and I think that none of us put him in charge so perhaps he might want to get his ego out of the way.
Windsong
Posted on July 21, 2011 at 9:41pmWhy, Grover, do you suppose the American people opted to send you to Washington to speak for them? Tell you what. If politicians – in both parties – don’t have the stamina, the guts, the knowledge or the honor to fight for the United States of America, then go back to your day jobs in your home states. Harry and Nancy can lead the weak right out of the abomination that is now Washington. You have become an unruly kindergarten who refuses to listen to the grownups who sent you there.
Report Post »Patrick in AZ
Posted on July 21, 2011 at 9:42pmIf taxes go up, it is a tax increase
Report Post »stormcrow53
Posted on July 22, 2011 at 7:27am@ Patrick in AZ: Exactly correct!
Report Post »I tire of the word games and obfuscation. Simply and plainly: It an’t their durn money!!
If taxes go up it is a tax increase!
Liberty7
Posted on July 21, 2011 at 9:33pmOh please, Grover Norquist speaks and politicians lay down. Good grief. Why anyone is still listening to this man is beyond me. I don’t trust him as far as I can drop kick him and I would love to have the opportunity to see just how far I can drop kick him.
Report Post »Grizz47
Posted on July 21, 2011 at 9:52pmAll this drivel from ole Grover,who’s group laundered Indian Casino Money,who’s Syrian National wife ran a muslim web site with links to Hamas & Hezzbola,and don‘t forget Grover’s Saudi buddies whom are either under indictment or already convicted of jihadi terror activity INSIDE the USA. One got 23 yrs in the Pen–how ole Grover escaped indictment is beyond me.Wait,this is D.C. ( District of Criminals )–forgot—
Report Post »Dougral Supports Israel
Posted on July 21, 2011 at 9:28pmHere’s how I see it, Grover. If the government gets less money from me then its a tax cut. If they get more its an increase. It doesn’t matter at all what the politicos call it. A tax cut that was rescinded, closing loopholes, user fee increase. More money to government is a tax increase. Its a simple concept that us non-ivy league people can understand.
Report Post »LMW
Posted on July 21, 2011 at 9:25pm“What do you mean by sex?“ So once again the Republicans and Democrats will agree they can take away something that was given and then claim ”Look,we did not raise taxes”. Taking away items that have been in the past either a tax break or a deduction is their way of raising taxes with out having to say they did. Just look at the deductions that have gone by the wayside in the last few years. Both the Republicans and the Democrats have used this dodge to raise revenue and still look you in the eye and say “I have not voted for a tax increase ever”. The sad thing is that the people are too stupid and let them get away with this BS. If what I hear is coming from our “Gang of Six” is true then maybe it is time to do what you do to a gang and that is to either shoot them or hang them. Be ready for lots of smoke and mirrors. When will we ever learn? I’m so disgusted with all of them I may join in the coming revolution
Report Post »sWampy
Posted on July 21, 2011 at 9:23pmWe need to raise taxes to 5000% on donations to political campaigns, this would solve 50% of the problems in this country, we can solve the other 50% by killing all the lawyers.
Report Post »REPUB1
Posted on July 21, 2011 at 9:25pmcorrection democrats
Report Post »JohnHW
Posted on July 21, 2011 at 10:26pmLawyers – Democrats – same thing.
Report Post »REPUB1
Posted on July 21, 2011 at 9:17pmHey by the way, who’s going to get the Gold in Fort Knox????? what and why is it not being used to pay our Debt,who are they saving it for hum hum….
Report Post »psst
Posted on July 21, 2011 at 9:37pmGold at Fort Knox?
Report Post »Who said there are still Gold in Fort Knox?
The dirty li’l secret is, Gold Finger really did get it all.
I think he took it to France.
hightide
Posted on July 22, 2011 at 8:15amIT’s gone.
Report Post »booger71
Posted on July 21, 2011 at 9:15pmHey I am all for going back to historical tax rates——1913
Report Post »Ducky 1
Posted on July 21, 2011 at 10:52pmAh….a Wilson lover??
Report Post »booger71
Posted on July 21, 2011 at 10:55pmNope, top rate 7%, actually 1912 would be even better, 0%
Report Post »TheBMT
Posted on July 21, 2011 at 10:56pm1912 would be slightly better. Minus the whole Federal Reserve and Income tax.
Report Post »GCT
Posted on July 21, 2011 at 9:13pmEstablishment Conservatives are the kind of Big Government Conservatives that give Conservatives a bad name and cause us to lose elections.
Report Post »REPUB1
Posted on July 21, 2011 at 9:12pmlook at the guy‘s pic’s on that money, no wonder their junk bill’s
Report Post »sbenard
Posted on July 21, 2011 at 9:10pmGrover, go sit on the stool in the corner and wear your “dunce” cap! How could anyone say something so utterly idiotic? I wonder if “Groveling” Grover could convince the people who have to PAY the higher tax that is ISN’T a tax increase! I doubt it! That would be an impossible sell since their tax bill would INCREASE!
By the same insane logic, revocation of the 16th Amendment (which legalized the income tax) would also not amount to a tax DECREASE either, since no income tax was the rule of law before the 16th was passed! ANY change in the tax law will result in an increase or decrease! Semantic games won’t change that! Duh! What a dimwit!
Grover Norquist is a traitor to the cause, and an enemy of the Tea Party movement. He claims to be a conservative, but ISN’T! He is a sellout to progressives! No doubt that’s why Matthews brought him on his show! His touch is toxic! Whatever he supports, look long and hard at it!
Report Post »Luke21
Posted on July 21, 2011 at 9:57pmWell said!
Report Post »Keggs1961
Posted on July 22, 2011 at 8:25amHow true! I hope I live to see the day when the American people wake up and take back the country from these republicrats. That includes the mainstream media as well. I say, we spend the next 200 years getting rid of these type of individuals and their laws.
Report Post »Fantastic Four
Posted on July 21, 2011 at 9:10pmLet’s toss the Cut Cap and Balance Bill by keeping the Corporate tax cuts….
Report Post »Hey GOP what’sd the differnce if the Corps save a few bucks When Obama is gonna hit them with regulations and taxes that will make the bush tax cuts look like CHUMP change….
thats there whole talking point “the RICH pay less”
Not the brightest and the libs work 24/7 on tearing you down
adastra2005
Posted on July 21, 2011 at 9:09pmCNN/ORC Poll released today
Poll Question: In another proposal, Congress would raise the debt ceiling only if a balanced budget amendment were passed by both houses of Congress and substantial spending cuts and caps on future spending were approved. Would you favor or oppose this proposal?
Poll conducted: July 18-20, 2011
Favor 66%
Oppose 33%
No opinion 1%
Sounds like Cut, Cap & Balance to me. Hmmmm, I guess the Senate and Obama are opposing 66% of America once again.
Report Post »Mateytwo Barreett
Posted on July 21, 2011 at 10:49pmFunny how that works!
Report Post »BarCalliyon
Posted on July 21, 2011 at 9:04pmWhy dont we all play the same game as the progressives then. Bush didn’t cut taxes he just stopped a previous “Tax Increase” since they keep talking like a tax cut lasts forever as a seperate entity instead of a one time thing.
Report Post »BlackCrow
Posted on July 21, 2011 at 9:02pmIt ain’t right to be smoking that stuff and not sharing.
Report Post »I.Gaspar
Posted on July 21, 2011 at 8:56pmThey are all in on it.
Report Post »Lord have mercy on us.
ILUVAMERICA
Posted on July 21, 2011 at 9:28pm@ I.Gaspar
Report Post »You are sooooo right!
They are both against us, that is way we are where we are
The only thing we have is EACH OTHER, WE THE PEOPLE
We HAVE to find a way to unite!!!!!!!! My only hope is the tea party, if anyone but a tea party member wins we are through!
Beck has abandoned us! All he is worried about is Isreal
Fix our country so we are strong so we can help Isreal
He strung us along, we all thought he was going to give us the answer, he implied it many times but alas
Welcome to America, home of the slave! Be prepared
jim
Posted on July 21, 2011 at 8:53pmMatthews is the essence of liberal double talk. You have to be a circus monkey to be a fan… lots of flips and dips, and no substance or logic. How many times does Grover have to repeat himself and say, “spending is the problem, Chris.” About 50 times… Matthews doesn’t get it. He talks over him, interrupts Grover before he can ever get out a complete sentence. Typical Dem, hears exactly what he wants to hear… whatever is in his head, his own reality… regardless of the plain facts in front of him. SPENDING IS THE PROBLEM, CHRIS!!
Report Post »sbenard
Posted on July 21, 2011 at 8:48pmHey Grover the RINO, try telling that to the people who have to PAY the higher taxes! That idea borders on idiocy, its so silly! The only people that it doesn’t amount to a tax increase to are the ones who IMPOSE it, but don’t PAY it! To the ones who PAY it, rest assured it IS a tax INCREASE!
By that same idiotic mode of thinking, if we rescinded the 16th Amendment, there would also be no tax DECREASE either! How can a man so influential be so… well… STUPID!
Norquist has been a sellout on conservativism for years. He also has been a big supporter of homosexual marriage!
Report Post »Cymry
Posted on July 21, 2011 at 8:51pmFor what does it profit a man to gain the world and yet loose his soul?
Report Post »Cymry
Posted on July 21, 2011 at 8:52pmlose.
Report Post »CulperGang
Posted on July 21, 2011 at 8:43pmThe real answer to the problem. Arrest geithner/bernanke/obama/clintons/bushes/all the bankers. Sieze stolen assest under RICO and put it back in the state treasury. PURGE the government of all criminal politician. Close the Federal Reserve. Instill Ron Paul as POTUS and crank up the Constitution by repealing unconsitutional laws. REMOVE czars. Remove Sotomayor and Kagan. Shut down the UN. No immigration. Ron Paul will instill Fairtax and do away with Nafta and Gat and the engines of commerce will be up and running in a year or two.
here is an eye opener: http://deadlinelive.info/2011/07/21/a-thousand-pictures-is-worth-one-word/
Report Post »Cymry
Posted on July 21, 2011 at 8:49pm…….click your heels three times and repeat “There’s no place like home, There’s no place like home…..”
The marxists (call a commie a commie) will be defeated because they ALWAYS underestimate THE LORD OF HOSTS. ELOHIM.
Report Post »banjarmon
Posted on July 21, 2011 at 8:41pmDepends on what the meaning of “IS” is !!!!
Report Post »If I pay more to the government Than I DO NOW THEN IT IS A TAX INCREASE!!!!
CUT ALL TAXES NOW!!!
NickDeringer
Posted on July 21, 2011 at 8:40pmThis just shows that the GOP is unwilling to make the tough call so we will go over the cliff as a result. When the dust clears there will be frantic finger pointing and “We the People” will be paying $10 for a gallon of gas, fightig double digit inflation, and double digit interest rates.
Report Post »sbenard
Posted on July 21, 2011 at 8:52pmre: $10 gasoline
The new video on GBTV Beck University regarding economics is excellent about what we should expect to come. One thing to expect is $10 gas, according to Dr. Gal Luft, the expert on energy security in the video. I recommend it to everyone! It’s well worth the 25 minutes to watch it!
Report Post »Cymry
Posted on July 21, 2011 at 8:39pmYes, we have no bananas.
Report Post »jhaydeng
Posted on July 21, 2011 at 8:38pmThe answer is so simple yet everyone coming out of the woodwork attaches their own personal agenda to it! It’s like watching bad infomercials anymore! Yuck!
Report Post »Islesfordian
Posted on July 21, 2011 at 8:37pmNo thank you. I am not going to watch Chris matthews debate anybody, because to call Matthews a stinking pile of horse sh*t is an insult to good manure.
Report Post »Cymry
Posted on July 21, 2011 at 8:46pmprogressive is the term marxists assign to “useful idiots” (Chris Matthews being the former).
Proverbs 16:18
Report Post »trolltrainer
Posted on July 21, 2011 at 8:55pmI’m beyond caring what any of them have to say…from any side…They all lie through their teeth.
I can only control who I vote for and I am taking names. Otherwise, I am not too concerned with things of this world. I see it more as entertainment than anything else. And yeah, the sky is falling, the world will end and we will all become socialists…Whatever…Probably serve us right…
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