Super Debt Committee Takes Shape As Republicans Appoint Their Six
August 11, 2011
Republican leaders in Congress on Wednesday announced their six appointments to the 12-member super committee charged with finding at least $1.2 trillion in debt reduction but facing low expectations for success in an increasingly mired political environment.
House Speaker John Boehner chose House Republican Conference Chairman Jeb Hensarling of Texas, House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Dave Camp of Michigan and House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton of Michigan.
Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell chose Sens. Jon Kyl of Arizona, Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania and Rob Portman of Ohio to represent the Senate GOP.
The announcements come one day after Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid appointed his three picks -- Sens. Patty Murray of Washington, Max Baucus of Montana and John Kerry of Massachusetts. House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi has until Aug. 16 to choose her three selections of House Democrats to fill out the committee.
Speculation has been swirling around which lawmakers would get a seat on the committee ever since Congress reached a last-minute deal last week to raise the nation's $14.3 trillion debt cap in exchange for at least $2.1 trillion in spending cuts.
Boehner said his picks for the committee "are proven leaders who have earned the trust and confidence of their colleagues and constituents."
"They understand the gravity of our debt crisis and I appreciate their willingness to serve on this panel," he said.
Even before the selections were made, concerns arose that both sides will deadlock because Democrats are insisting on tax increases for higher income Americans, while Republicans want to cut into the government's massive entitlement programs.
Another concern raised was that some members of the group were too partisan to come up with a solution.

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Posted by Ken at 4:50 AM