DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz released the following statement after Senate Republicans voted to block the Buffett Rule, which would ensure that millionaires and billionaires are paying their fair share in taxes, just like middle-class families across the country:
“Today, Senate Republicans spoke loud and clear: millionaires and billionaires are their priority, not the average hardworking American. We know the current tax code is stacked against the middle class, which is why the President introduced the Buffett Rule. It provides a simple change to our tax code that is rooted in basic American principles: hard work should pay off, responsibility should be rewarded, and everyone should do their fair share. President Obama believes that America prospers when we’re all in it together and we all play by the same rules.
“Evidently, Republicans in the Senate don’t feel the same way. By blocking the Buffett Rule, they’ve voted to keep protecting costly tax loopholes for the wealthiest Americans instead of actually investing in programs vital to the economic security of the middle class. The Buffett Rule isn’t the only measure that is needed to get spending under control and reduce the deficit, but it’s an enormous step in the right direction. We can’t just cut our way to prosperity; we need all Americans to pay their fair share, which is the entire point of the Buffett Rule. It’s time for Republicans to get serious about growing the economy and getting our country back on track. Sadly, today’s vote makes it clear they still aren’t willing to do the right thing for America’s middle-class families.”