Utah’s senators react to passage of Inflation Reduction Act

SALT LAKE CITY — Sens. Mike Lee and Mitt Romney joined their fellow Republicans in voting against the Inflation Reduction Act on Sunday. The passage of the bill through the Senate came after a “vote-a-rama” on amendment votes.

Sen. Lee’s reaction and failed amendment

“You shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, and you certainly shouldn’t judge this bill by its title. Despite its name, this bill will not reduce inflation,” Lee said after the bill’s passage.

Lee vocalized more disapproval earlier on Sunday after the rejection of an amendment he brought forth.

“Payment in lieu of taxes,” or PILT, are federal payments to local governments designed to offset losses in property taxes due to nontaxable federal lands within their boundaries. Lee’s amendment to the Inflation Reduction Act would have increased those payments by 10% but his amendment was rejected.

“While not a full tax equivalent, President Biden’s policies have created record-breaking inflation, and local governments need the help now,” Lee said in a statement about the amendment, adding that it was “a shame” the amendment was not accepted.

Sen. Romney’s reaction

Romney released a statement denouncing the Inflation Reduction Act on Sunday.

“Rather than listening to the American people who are suffering from inflation, Democrats have voted for a liberal wish list. It reduces oil and gas production, it raises taxes that companies will pass on to consumers, and it doubles the number of IRS auditors in order to audit more Americans,” Romney’s statement read in part.

The American people, who are drowning in debt and inflation, needed a life preserver and Democrats just gave them a bag of hammers. My statement on the passage of yet another partisan and reckless spending bill: pic.twitter.com/hMLhb3aqQU

— Senator Mitt Romney (@SenatorRomney) August 7, 2022

 

The Inflation Reduction Act now goes to the House of Representatives, which is expected to take up the bill this Friday.

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