Lawmakers Leery Of Federal Budget Deal

After October’s government shutdown over conflicting visions for a federal budget, a newly announced budget deal has been met with caution by most of Arkansas’ Congressional delegation.

Cong. Rick Crawford (R) announced his opposition to the deal struck earlier this week by Republicans and Democrats. Cong. Tim Griffin (R) expressed reservations, but said it may be the only viable solution to avoid another shutdown.

Peter Urban with Stephens Media reports:

The proposal would nullify about $63 billion in across-the-board sequestration cuts over the next two years. The cuts would be made up for through a combination of other budget savings and fee hikes estimated to be worth $85 billion over 10 years — allowing for an additional $23 billion reduction in the deficit.

The proposed savings over the next decade include:

—$12.6 billion in higher security fees for airline passengers.

—$12 billion reduction in contributions to federal pensions.

—$7.9 billion in higher federal insurance premiums for private pensions.

—$6 billion in reduced payments to student-loan debt collectors.

—$3 billion by not fully refilling strategic petroleum reserves.

—$21.5 billion in other fees and spending cuts that include a small reduction in cost-of-living increases for military retirees, caps on contractor salaries and reducing Social Security fraud.

What did other members of Arkansas’ Congressional delegation have to say about the possible deal?  Read more at this link.