‘Super Committee’ at an Impasse Over Revenue Gap - November 8, 2011

The Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction’s (or “super committee’s”) negotiations have stalled over the issue of whether or not to raise taxes. Democrats on the committee have been insisting that republicans cede their position on increasing revenue before serious negotiations continue. In an effort to try and broker a deal, a smaller, six-member group of the “super committee” is working on a deficit reduction deal under the direction of congressional leadership of both parties. The “super committee” has fewer than 15 days until its Nov. 23 deadline, by which time the committee must pass legislation that reduces the deficit by $1.2 trillion over 10 years.

On Nov. 1, the “super committee” held a public hearing on previous deficit reduction plans, which included testimony from Former Sen. Alan Simpson (R-Wyo.), Erskine Bowles, Alice M. Rivlin, Ph.D., and Former Sen. Pete Domenici (R-N.M.) – all of whom worked on previous budget plans and debates. These experts urged the “super committee” to go beyond its mandate and pass a larger deficit reduction plan. The budget experts also asked the committee to worry less about politics and more on the fiscal repercussions if a deal is not reached.

NAPH continues to advise its members to contact their congressional delegations and urge them to be champions against drastic, arbitrary Medicaid cuts. More information can be found on NAPH’s website and at www.protectmedicaid.org.