Mum is mostly the word as delegation reviews deficit deal
WASHINGTON - When big news hits in Washington, reporters' inboxes usually get flooded with press releases. But the big debt ceiling and deficit reduction deal struck by President Obama and congressional leaders yesterday has been playing out a little differently.
So far, just two members of Minnesota's delegation have taken a public stand on the agreement. DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar came out in favor in an interview with MPR's Cathy Wurzer this morning.
"It's not the deal I would have written," said Klobuchar, "but you have to remember that the stakes are incredibly high."
GOP Congresswoman and presidential contender Michele Bachmann denounced the deal right away.
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Rep. John Kline, who has close ties to the GOP leadership, was supportive of the agreement but didn't offer a full endorsement last night, according to spokesman Troy Young.
"While there is not a final deal, Congressman Kline is pleased the proposal appears to be based on the framework of "Cut, Cap and Balance" and includes no tax increases," Young wrote in an email. "While he has some initial concerns on how a joint committee could act and operate, he is still reviewing the plan and wants to ensure this or any agreement would fundamentally change the way Washington spends taxpayer money."
All eyes will be on DFL Rep. Keith Ellison today, who so far has remained silent. Other members of the Congressional Progressive Caucus that he co-chairs have already savaged the agreement.
Queries to other congressional offices have thus far turned up no response with most press secretaries saying that their bosses are still "studying" the bill's language.
Listen to audio of Klobuchar's interview with MPR News here: