Deficit Talks Square In On Caps And Triggers

By Eric Rice

Details were sparse after Vice President Joe Biden’s meeting with congressional leadership at the Capitol on Wednesday. Following the meeting, Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) called the session “very productive,” and said that the goal is to reach an agreement by the end of June. 

Today’s meeting focused on discretionary spending cuts and budget triggers designed to force tighter control over spending.

Representing the White House today were Biden, Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner, Office of Management and Budget Director Jack Lew, and National Economic Council Director Gene Sperling. From Congress were Van Hollen, House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-Va.), Senate Minority Whip Jon Kyl (R-Ariz.), Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Dan Inouye (D-Hawaii), Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.) and Assistant House Minority Leader Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.). 

Biden did not speak to reporters today, but expressed optimism after Tuesday’s talks wrapped up.