The only way Congress is able to get rid of unnecessary military bases is to use the Base Realignment and Closure process, which develops a list of recommended closings, consolidations, and other changes that Congress must address with a simple up-or-down vote. Erick Erickson suggests at RedState.com that Republicans propose the same type of process to address government overspending.
Congress has repeatedly shown that it will never make a tough decision if it can kick the can down the road or punt to someone else. Congress will not cut spending unless it can punt to an outside BRAC Commission.
I’d be in favor of SELASIC: Spending, Entitlement, Loophole, And SubsIdy Commission. Republicans must be willing to throw in some sacred cows in addition to spending. Those sacred cows should be tax loopholes and subsidies. In other words, this BRAC style commission would focus on spending cuts, entitlement reforms, tax loopholes, and government subsidies through direct payment or tax carve outs.
The ancillary benefit would be that, once tax loopholes and tax subsidy carve outs start being closed, Congress would be forced to reform the tax code to make it less complicated.
Structure SELASIC with an even number of retired Democrats and retired Republicans chosen by Congress and make Congress have to take or leave the proposals with no ability to amend them. Keep from the commission the ability to insist on tax increases or cuts, other than through closing loopholes and ending subsidies.
Republicans need a plan. BRAC is one of the most successful outside initiatives ever launched by Congress. It’s time to do it for spending, entitlement reform, tax loopholes, and subsidies. It is the only way Congress will ever actually begin dealing with these serious, critical issues.
