The Republican co-chairman of President Barack Obama’s deficit commission is warning fellow panelists “the heat is on” as they push politically volatile proposals to tame a runaway debt.
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As the commission convened to discuss the cochairmen’s call for raising the Social Security retirement age, slashing spending and increasing the motor fuel tax, former Sen. Alan Simpson said “the denizens of darkness” are poised to fight the panel’s recommendations.
Simpson said he understands the predicament of lawmakers facing tough decisions, saying they must be ready to confront groups “waiting out there in temples around the city to shred this baby to bits.” The Wyoming Republican told congressional members of the commision “there may be less cash in your Christmas stocking for the next election.”
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WASHINGTON (AP) – The Republican co-chairman of President Barack Obama’s deficit commission is warning fellow panelists “the heat is on” as they push politically volatile proposals to tame a runaway debt.
As the commission convened to discuss the cochairmen’s call for raising the Social Security retirement age, slashing spending and increasing the motor fuel tax, former Sen. Alan Simpson said “the denizens of darkness” are poised to fight the panel’s recommendations.
Simpson said he understands the predicament of lawmakers facing tough decisions, saying they must be ready to confront groups “waiting out there in temples around the city to shred this baby to bits.” The Wyoming Republican told congressional members of the commision “there may be less cash in your Christmas stocking for the next election.”
