Clyburn: New GOP 'Pledge' like a 'plague' on taxpayers

A top House Democrat likened the new Republican “Pledge to America” to a “plague” on taxpayers and families.

 “If this is implemented, what we are going to see is the infliction of a plague on America,” the House majority whip, Rep. James Clyburn (D-S.C.), told reporters on Thursday after a Democratic caucus meeting.

Clyburn used the word “plague” as a refrain to describe the GOP platform, highlighting Republican plans to repeal healthcare reform and cut taxes for the wealthy.

The House Democratic caucus chairman, Rep. John Larson (Conn.) chimed in, saying the GOP “programs seem to be focused on denying essential freedoms,” such as key protections in the healthcare law enacted six months ago.

Republican leaders unveiled the party's governing agenda at an event Thursday morning in Virginia, and Clyburn said Democrats would mount a “rigorous” response to the proposals. Democrats have been flogging the agenda all week, and are planning a formal response to the roll-out this afternoon.