The "no taxes" Catfood Commission Republicans: Reps. Dave Camp, Fred Upton, Jeb Hensarling and
Sens. Rob Portman, Jon Kyl and Pat Toomey
So the
Medicare benefit cuts offered by
Sen. Max Baucus and a majority of the Catfood Commission II Democrats intended "as a way to reach out to Republicans"
didn't work.
Washington (CNN) - Democrats on the so-called "super committee" proposed during a closed meeting Tuesday a $3 trillion plan designed to slash the federal deficit but Republicans swiftly and decisively rejected it because it relied heavily on tax increases, according to several congressional sources from both parties.
One top Republican aide described the Democratic offer as "outrageously absurd" and a "non-starter," and a sign the super committee may ultimately fail. But this is the first time in the months since the committee began its negotiations that any group in the committee has offered a specific plan.
Which was entirely predictable. So the Catfood Commission Democrats have succeeded in pissing off their House caucus, moving the negotiations even further to the right with the inclusion of benefit cuts, and let the Republicans know just how much they'll be willing to give up to get a deal. That's some negotiating skill on display, right there.