Senate rejects deficit commission
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The Senate today rejected an effort to create a bipartisan commission to recommend ways to reduce the U.S. deficit.
In a 53-46 vote, the Senate rejected the amendment to a bill that will hike the government’s ability to borrow to fund its operating expenses. The amendment needed 60 votes to pass.
President Obama, who had backed the plan, could still create a commission by executive order; however, it would lack the force of law and have less power. The failed legislation would have required that the panel’s recommendations be voted on by Congress without being amended, a device used by Congress for political cover and to protect lawmakers from drastic and unpopular actions.
The chief sponsors, Budget Committee Chairman Kent Conrad of North Dakota and ranking Republican Judd Gregg of New Hampshire, had argued that the commission was needed because Congress has shown that it is unable to decide how to reduce the deficit.
The rejection crossed party lines, uniting anti-tax Republicans with Democrats who feared cuts in social services.
-- Michael Muskal
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