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After the 'sequester,' now what?

$85 billion in across-the-board cuts to defense and social programs took effect March 1. The cuts must occur this fiscal year, which ends Sept. 30. Here's how things look.

4. Q: How might the sequester issue be resolved?

  • By Peter Grier, Mark Trumbull and Owen Thomas Staff writers

Backroom deals are out, it seems. "Over the coming weeks," said Senator McConnell (R) of Kentucky in a statement, "we'll have the opportunity to ensure funding is at the level we promised while working on solutions for making spending reductions...." But, he added, "any solutions will be done through the regular order, with input from both sides of the aisle in public debate." He flatly ruled out raising taxes as part of any resolution.

Why no private deals? The most conservative members of the GOP rank and file see those kind of negotiations as a way for their leadership to sell out. They were not pleased by the "fiscal cliff" deal struck between Vice President Joe Biden and McConnell, which resulted in Republicans having to swallow the first tax increase in nearly two decades.

Both sides appear to be working toward a "continuing resolution" to keep government running, at least.

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Mark Sappenfield
Editor

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