Congressional leaders appointed nearly all of the members on the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction. We’re still waiting on House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi’s three appointees. Those are expected to come in soon.
Comprised of 12 members, the bi-partisan committee is equally divided between Democrats and Republicans and each chamber. They’ve got until Thanksgiving to figure out at least $1.2 trillion dollars in government savings.
Today, House Majority Leader John Boehner appointed Rep. Jeb Hensarling to serve as a co-chair. He’s also the Republican Conference Chairman. Congressmen Dave Camp, who chairs the Ways and Means Committee, and Fred Upton, who chairs the Energy and Commerce Committee, will join as well.
Rounding out the GOP field, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell announced his three appointments today: Senate Minority Whip Jon Kyl, who’s on the Finance Committee. Sen. Rob Portman and tea party fave Patrick Toomey, who both serve on the Budget committee.
I should note, all of these guys signed Grover Norquist’s pledge, promising to never ever raise taxes under any circumstances.
Last night, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid announced his picks to so the so-called debt super committee. He tapped Sen. Patty Murray to serve as co-chair. She leads the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus and Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman John Kerry were also selected to join the JSC.
Reid came up with the JSC idea during the debt ceiling negotiations, and the creation of the super committee was mandated in the final deal.
Will these lawmakers be able to avoid gridlock if half of the members refuse to raise revenues going into these talks? Please tweet me your opinion.
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Sarah Muller