A fight less reported

But you should hear this too — a fight over deficits
and debt that has simmered within the Democratic Party is now promising to keep
the politically toxic issue of debt increases on the front
burner. When Congress raised the debt limit in December, the increase was
only set for two months instead of a year, with fiscal hawks in the
party insisting on a new commission that would recommend a plan for
lowering budget deficits and debt through cuts in entitlement
spending and through tax increases.

Get this, Democrats agreed to slow the debt increase
process in order to create a commission to handle the long-term problem, but
they can’t agree on what kind of commission. If the administration
creates one, then Congress won’t be forced to vote up or down on its
recommendations. There is not adequate support, however, for a
“statutory” commission. The administration commission would be full
of “officials,” but some Democrats in Congress are insisting a
commission include lawmakers as well. Plus, if the recommendations don’t
have to be voted on, what is the point?

According to The Washington Post,
the issue must be resolved by mid-February, when the borrowing limit will
expire and Congress must raise the debt ceiling again. If they can’t figure out
the commission by then, they will be re-raising that ceiling throughout an
election year. Sounds like fun.

SHOULD DEMOCRATS PASS HEALTH REFORM IF THEY LOSE MASSACHUSETTS?
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