‘Socialist’ struck from record in debate on Progressive Caucus budget

The Progressive Caucus budget is not expected to succeed in the House, which is expected to support a resolution from House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan (R-Wis.).

The Progressive budget calls for more federal spending than any of the four alternatives under consideration Friday. It foresees $44.6 trillion in outlays over the next decade, about 40 percent more than the budget from Ryan. It also foresees the most revenue, which largely comes from higher taxes.

Speaking on behalf of the proposal, Rep. Raul Grijalva (D-Ariz.) acknowledged it would raise taxes on corporations and the wealthiest 2 percent “so they pay their just sacrifice.”

Rep. Todd Rokita (R-Ind.) said the Progressive budget would call for the largest tax increase the United States has ever seen.

“This budget, if enacted, would end this country as we know it,” he said.

Other Republicans noted it would also raise the gasoline tax, which they said would hurt lower-income Americans.