Mini Budget Deal May Be Voted on Next Week

“The contours of a mini-deal to avert another government shutdown emerged Wednesday, a rare glimmer of bipartisanship in a Congress noted for division and dysfunction,” the Los Angeles Times reports.

“The pending two-year deal levies no new taxes and fends off some Pentagon budget cuts — which Republicans demanded — but preserves spending for social programs favored by Democrats, like Head Start for preschoolers, according to those familiar with the private talks who requested anonymity to speak candidly.”

“If approved, the pact would eliminate the need for about half of the $91 billion in so-called sequester cuts, which are set to take effect Jan. 15, arbitrarily slashing budgets for defense and social programs. Lawmakers on both sides are eager to avoid such cuts, which economists warn could harm the economy.”

Roll Call
warns: “Budget negotiators are nearing a deal that could ease the way
for leaders to avert another government shutdown before the 2014
elections, but only if rank and file — particularly in the House — buy
into the agreement.”