Cochran – “We don’t need to turn over spending to (Obama)”
The Senate on Tuesday rejected legislation calling for a congressional commission to recommend reductions in the federal deficit.
The 53-46 vote fell seven votes shy of the necessary 60 under an agreement both parties reached Monday night, and represented deep divisions on both sides of the aisle. A group of 37 Democrats and 16 Republicans supported the commission, while 23 Republicans and 23 Democrats opposed it.
The vote defeated an amendment by Budget Committee Chairman Kent Conrad (D-N.D.) and ranking member Judd Gregg (R-N.H.) that would have created an 18-member panel to propose spending and reduction policies.
Sen. Thad Cochran (R-Miss.), ranking member of the Appropriations Committee, also argued against losing congressional influence over spending decisions.
“We don’t need to turn over spending to (Obama),” Cochran said. “We’re going to jealously protect our prerogatives. Congress can’t shift its responsibility to others, and that’s what we would be doing.”
The Hill
1/26/10
Magnolia Tribune
