Conversation starters
Most popular
Bonneville Seattle is raising funds for the construction of a second Fisher House at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Tacoma and we need your help.House passes GOP budget that sharply cuts spending
March 21, 2013 @ 7:51 am
WASHINGTON (AP) - House Republicans have passed a budget plan that would bring the federal government's finances into balance in 10 years by sharply cutting safety-net programs for the poor and by clamping down on domestic agencies.
It would not raise taxes, in sharp contrast to budget plans offered by Democrats.
Instead, the plan written by Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan _ which passed on a 221-207 party-line vote _ would reduce spending on the Medicaid health care plan for the poor and eliminate "Obamacare" subsidies.
It exempts the Pentagon and Social Security beneficiaries from spending cuts but revives a plan to turn Medicare into a voucher-like system for beneficiaries born in 1959 or later.
The plan sets nonbinding targets for taxes and spending.
(Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
Bonneville Media encourages site users to express their opinions by posting comments. Our goal is to maintain a civil dialogue in which readers feel comfortable. At times, the comments can descend to personal attacks. Please do not engage in such behavior. We encourage your thoughtful comments which: have a positive and constructive tone, are on topic, are respectful toward others and their opinions. Bonneville reserves the right to remove comments which do not conform to these criteria.