Budget Should See Final Action This Week

May 7, 2001

After an embarrassing delay caused by two missing pages, Congress should take final action this week on a budget for 2002 and beyond. But new controversy emerged as support from two key Democratic Senators appeared to be in question, BLOOMBERG NEWS reported.

The Democratic Senators, whose votes are needed for Congressional approval of the budget document, said Republicans are reneging on a promise to provide $100 billion in tax cuts this year and next year for economic stimulus.

Spokesmen for Senators John Breaux of Louisiana and Ben Nelson of Nebraska said Republicans had combined the $100 billion tax cut with a $1.25 trillion, 10-year tax cut, effectively eliminating the quick stimulus Democrats wanted, according to BLOOMBERG.