Senate Democrats won’t release their spending plan

[alp227]

Source: The Washington Post

Senate Democrats decided Thursday not to release their spending plan to counter the budget blueprint approved last month by House Republicans, saying they will wait to see whether talks at the White House produce a compromise plan for reining in the national debt.

Democrats said they are close to agreement on a spending plan that would reduce borrowing by more than $4 trillion over the next decade, with about half the savings coming from higher taxes. That would offer a sharp contrast to the GOP budget, which relies entirely on deep cuts in spending.

But rather than subject a proposal for higher taxes to Republican attack, Senate Budget Committee Chairman Kent Conrad (D-N.D.) said he would “defer” action “because of the high-level bipartisan leadership negotiations that are currently underway” involving lawmakers from both parties and Vice President Biden.

“If you go through a partisan markup, it hardens people’s positions and makes it more difficult to get a bipartisan agreement,” said Conrad, a member of the Senate’s Gang of Six, which has been trying to draft its own debt-reduction framework.

Read more: http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/senate-democrats-wont-release-their-spending-plan/2011/05/19/AFhrIP7G_story.html

[DJ13]

1. If you go through a partisan markup, it hardens people’s positions

If you dont, but the other side does, you're telling the other side you'll compromise towards their position.

They need to put out a plan, something that draws a few lines in the sand.

Or just tell the GOP they'll compromise on everything (as usual).

[msongs]

2. dems need to embrace the progressive caucus plan and quit being republican lite nt

[TacticalPeek]

3. Does anybody on our side know how to play this game?

U.S Constitution

Section 7 - Revenue Bills, Legislative Process, Presidential Veto

All bills for raising Revenue shall originate in the House of Representatives; but the Senate may propose or concur with Amendments as on other Bills.


The Senate cannot originate one cent of funding for a budget. The monkey is on the back of Boehner and the Rs, for this and the debt ceiling increase as well. Do not interfere when your opponent lights a match to himself.

Conrad et al. should first wait until Boehner's head explodes in brilliant orange sparks, and then drive a hard bargain.

[geckosfeet]

5. Agreed. Why jump into a sinking dingy. Throw the r'S an iron float when they ask for help.

[IamK]

4. it must have a lot of ugly cuts also... n/t

[iwishiwas]

6. It will come out sooner or later.

[Yupster]

7. It didn't last year

No attempt at passing a budget was even made.