Senate Expected to Pass Republican Budget Plan

The Senate is on the verge of passing its version of the Republican plan for balancing the federal budget within seven years. Despite Democrats' attempts to force changes, the plan is expected to move forward. The debate has centered on the distribution of funds, with Democrats trying to redirect money towards social programs and Republicans pushing for a tax cut.

Key Takeaways:

• The Senate plan includes a $170 billion tax cut, which Democrats argue benefits the wealthy.
• Republicans have been trying to influence the allocation of funds within the budget resolution, with some members promoting a balanced budget as a key campaign issue.
• Democrats have accused Republicans of making unrealistic promises about balancing the budget, citing the inclusion of a large tax cut.
• The budget resolution is non-binding in most respects, but if followed, it would produce the first balanced budget since 1969.
• Freshman Republican James Inhofe has stated that Democrats who vote against the tax cut will be labeled as "big spenders and big taxers."
• Democrats have argued that the tax cut and budget balancing act is unrealistic and will harm social programs.
• James Exon, the ranking Democrat on the Budget Committee, has warned that Republicans are making promises they cannot keep.

Statistics:

• The Senate plan includes a $170 billion tax cut.
• $350 billion is set aside in the House blueprint for a tax cut.
• The budget resolution would produce the first balanced budget since 1969, if followed.
• The Senate plan is expected to pass, despite Democratic opposition.

Sources:

• NPR's Elizabeth Arnold
• Sen. Tom Daschle
• Rep. James Inhofe
• Rep. James Exon
• Sen. Pete Domenici
• Senate Clerk