Obama, GOP wrote deal in red ink

By Stephen Dinan - The Washington Times

Republicans wanted more tax cuts. Democrats wanted more spending. They got both in the tax-cut deal President Obama struck with the GOP, and it's the federal budget that will take the hit.

Republicans wanted more tax cuts. Democrats wanted more spending. They got both in the tax-cut deal President Obama struck with the GOP, and it's the federal budget that will take the hit.

Just 10 days after Mr. Obama's deficit commission sounded an alarm over the long-term health of the government's finances, the Senate is slated to vote Monday on a tax cut and spending package that will add $857 billion to the federal deficit in the upcoming years, likely setting a new records for red ink.

It's an increasingly common outcome when the two parties find themselves in disagreement and racing to meet an end-of-year deadline, when it's easier to give both sides the tax cuts and spending they want and save the tough budget decisions for later, said deficit watchers.

"Nobody wants short-term pain for long-term gain," said Sen. George V. Voinovich, Ohio Republican, who said he will vote against the deal because of the red ink it will splash across future budgets.

An early test vote in the Senate to clear the way for the package passed Thursday overwhelmingly, 65-11, getting strong support from both sides of the aisle. And that's expected to carry through to Monday's key vote to head off a filibuster and clear the way for final passage later this week.

**FILE** In this Dec. 7 photo, President Obama speaks at a White House news conference in Washington. (Associated Press)

The bigger test will come in the House, where congressional Democrats, meeting in a party caucus last week, approved a resolution urging their leaders not to bring the president's proposal to the floor for a vote.

Without any action by Congress, the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts would expire at the end of this month, meaning all Americans would face historic tax increases come January.

Republicans and Democrats who support the deal point out that the country's short-term economic problems are paramount, and argue that without economic growth, the long-term budget picture would look gloomier still.

Democrats assert that the extended unemployment benefits are among the best ways to inject government cash into the economy.

Seeking to convince his left flank the deal is worthwhile, Mr. Obama told NPR News last week he thinks Democrats will realize the consequences of inaction.

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