By A.J. Swartwood
The recommendations made by the President’s National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform this week will be supported by Senators Tom Coburn (R-Okla.) and Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), two Republican members of the Commission.
“Our debt crisis is a threat to not just our way of life, but our national survival,” Crapo said during a press conference Thursday. “Doing nothing will sooner rather than later, guarantee that this nation becomes a second rate power with less opporutunity and less freedom.”
Although both Senators called the plan “flawed and incomplete” they acknowledged that it will help put the U.S. back on the track to fiscal responsibility.
Calling it a “matter of national survival,” Sen. Coburn said he was “scared to death” at what might face the nation if no action was taken.
The move divides the conservative GOP members of the commission, with Reps. Jeb Hensarling (R-Texas) and Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) having already expressed opposition to the plan.
The commission requires that 14 of the 18 members approve the plan in order for a formal recommendation to be sent to Congress. Crapo said he is still hopeful that getting those 14 votes is possible.
It is expected that the entire panel will vote on the plan by tomorrow.