'Super Committee' Members Trade Deficit Reduction Plans, Hold Public Hearing - November 1, 2011

Democrats and republicans on the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction (“super committee”) have traded proposals, pushing budget negotiations into a new phase. Though neither proposal has been made public, some reports of the contents have been leaked.

On Oct. 25, the “super committee” democrats proposed a plan that is rumored to include $1.3 trillion in higher tax revenue, matched with a similar amount in spending reductions and savings. Their plan would reduce deficits by more than $3 trillion over the next decade, while financing a version of the American Jobs Act recommended by President Obama. The proposal is also rumored to include significant cuts to benefit programs – Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid – with more than $75 billion cut from the Medicaid program.

Republicans on the “super committee” countered on Wednesday with a plan that is rumored to decrease spending without proposing any increases in tax revenue. Their plan would supposedly reduce the deficit by more than $2 trillion over the next decade through spending cuts to federal health programs – including $185 billion from the Medicaid program.

On Nov. 1, the “super committee” will hold a public hearing to discuss previous deficit reduction proposals. Former Sen. Alan Simpson (R-Wyo.), Erskine Bowles, Alice M. Rivlin, Ph.D., and Former Sen. Pete Domenici (R-N.M.) are scheduled to testify at this hearing.

The “super committee” has until Nov. 23 to vote on their recommendations for $1.2 trillion in deficit savings. NAPH continues to reach out to members of the committee and Congress and urges NAPH members to do the same. More information and materials to guide and supplement outreach efforts can be found in the Advocate section of the NAPH website and at www.protectmedicaid.org.