Politics & Government

Rep. Scott Discusses Current Congressional Session

The Georgia Democrat respondes to Patch's questions about legislative issues and the new Republican House majority.

When Congress convened this month, Republicans vowed to use their new majority to attack President Barack Obama and Democrats on health care, spending, taxes, jobs and the economy. Patch discussed these issues and more from this legislative session with U.S. Rep. David Scott, a Democrat who represents Georgia’s 13th district.

Patch: Republicans themselves have said that a repeal of the health care law is a long shot at best and that it’s primarily a symbolic gesture. As a Democrat, how do you view the effort?

Scott: It is interesting that the first major bill brought up (by Republicans) after taking the House majority was not a bill that would create jobs, boost the economy or reduce the deficit. Rather, it (the Republican effort to repeal the health care law) was a symbolic bill that will never become law, would add hundreds of billions to the deficit, and more importantly, does nothing to expand access to health care or reduce health care costs.

Patch: House Republicans have vowed to cut $100 billion from domestic spending. Do you feel like that is a realistic goal?

Scott: It is possible to cut $100 billion from the budget, but it will take leadership. The Republicans still have not presented a plan to the American people about the programs they will cut. Are they going to cut defense, homeland security, veterans’ health care, Social Security or Medicare? Thus far, we cut $35 million from the congressional budget and cut earmarks, which are less than 1 percent of the budget.

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Patch: Each bill now introduced in the House will have to cite the specific constitutional authority for its content. Democrats say it’s a political gimmick and a nod to the Tea Party movement, which has celebrated the document and said that Congress has vastly exceeded the power granted to it by the Constitution. How do you feel about citing specific authority in the Constitution with each new bill?

Scott: This requirement will do nothing but require more lawyers and more paperwork to draft legislation. Congress has the constitutional authority to create laws. The Congress is elected by the people and accountable to them. To curtail the power of Congress is to cede more power to an unelected court system or to bureaucrats in the administration. Again, Congress has been in session three weeks and has yet to take any action on jobs or the economy.

Patch: What legislation do you plan to introduce this session that will directly affect those in your home district?

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Scott: Unfortunately, because of our recent economic crisis, the needs of my district are many and resources are so few. As such, I will be working with my colleagues on the Financial Services Committee to craft legislation that will create jobs, stem the tide of home foreclosures, and ultimately, stimulate the economy in and around the 13th District of Georgia.

Patch: In general, how do you see the new Republican majority impacting what gets done this session?

Scott: I will work with the Republican majority in the House as I have done throughout my career. For example, I just voted for the tax cut compromise, which was unpopular among many of my Democratic colleagues. I was also the only Democratic congressman to attend Gov. (Nathan) Deal’s inauguration.  When Georgia-wide issues, such as water, transportation and education are being considered, I will work to find common ground. Republicans also have to compromise with the Democratic majority in the Senate and with President Obama if they want to succeed. Presidents Reagan and Clinton were successful with dealing with House majorities of the opposite party, and I believe President Obama will be too.


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