Democracy | Economy | Government Dysfunction

Democrats Pleas for Averting Sequester Find No Takers

“We’re not seeing much interest at this point from Republican leaders in even engaging in a discussion about how we can move forward with a balanced package.” -Jay Carney, President Obama’s press secretary

Democrats Press G.O.P. to Start Talks to Avert Budget Cuts

By Jonathon Weisman and Jackie Calmes, The New York Times (02/22/2013) – With automatic federal budget cuts almost certain to take effect in one week, the White House and top Democrats on Friday sought to increase the pressure on Congressional Republicans to agree to a compromise that could prevent disruptions in government services after March 1.

Jay Carney, President Obama’s press secretary, said the administration backed a plan by Senate Democrats to enact a combination of spending cuts and tax increases that would buy time for negotiations over a larger deficit reduction package. He called on Republicans, who say they will not accept any tax increases, to begin talks. [MORE]