Scanlon Denounces Fiscal Policies as a "Con Job" Against American Affordability

Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA) publicly criticized current fiscal policies, labeling them a "con job" that "screws over the American people" on affordability. Her statement, made via social media on December 4, 2025, follows a recent congressional hearing where she vocally opposed proposals for a balanced budget amendment and "trickle-down economics."

"No, the greatest con job is running on Affordability and then screwing over the American people," Congresswoman Scanlon stated in her tweet.

The Pennsylvania Democrat's remarks come after her opening statement as Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on the Constitution and Limited Government on December 3, 2025. During the hearing, she argued against a balanced budget amendment, asserting that it is a "misguided proposal" that would disproportionately harm working and middle-class families by forcing cuts to essential programs like Medicare and Social Security.

Scanlon specifically targeted what she described as "reckless tax giveaways to corporations and billionaires," which she claims have exploded the federal deficit and national debt. She contended that these policies, often under the guise of "fiscal responsibility," have failed to benefit all Americans and instead have fueled "sky-high income inequality" and a "continuing transfer of wealth from working and middle-class Americans to the wealthiest people."

The Congresswoman advocated for a tax policy that ensures the wealthy "pay their fair share" and focuses on investments in communities, affordable healthcare, childcare, housing, and education. She maintained that such an approach, rather than a balanced budget amendment, would genuinely put the national debt on a sustainable path and build an economy that benefits everyone.