Reid Blasts Proposed GOP Cuts, Casts Doubt On Budget Compromise

By Anna Cameron

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) continued his verbal assault on the GOP budget package Friday during an appearance on the Senate floor.

“That irresponsible proposal slashes investments, cuts jobs, and sacrifices security and education,” Reid said.

The Senate Majority leader further dismissed the $61 billion in spending cuts, declaring that the plan “is based in ideology” and makes cuts “arbitrarily, without regard for consequences.”

After meeting yesterday with Vice President Joe Biden and Republican leaders to negotiate government funding through the end of the current fiscal year ending on September 30, Reid was pessimistic concerning potential budgetary outcomes.

At present, Republicans, Democrats, and the White House have each presented differing proposals. Though Democrats have consistently voiced opposition to the GOP package, Republicans would like the Senate to vote on their budget that has already passed in the House. The White House, however, has asked Congress to pass a budget that slashes $10 billion in spending from current levels.

Reid acknowledged Friday that his party’s proposal, which would bring spending down by $51 billion, is unlikely to gain traction.

“Not to spoil the surprise, but we all know how this vote will turn out,” he said. “We know neither will reach the President’s desk as written. We’ll end up back at square one, without consensus, without a budget for the rest of this fiscal year, and without assurance that we can keep the country running.”