Washington – Squeezed between a conservative clamor for spending cuts and the rising cost of hurricane relief, Republican congressional leaders will respond this week with a public-relations offensive to win over angry conservatives – but no substantive changes in budget policy.
Republican lawmakers and leadership aides conceded that the wholesale budget cuts envisioned by House conservatives are not being contemplated; the Senate Monday night was set to approve a temporary expansion of Medicaid for hurricane survivors, estimated to cost $9 billion. Nor are GOP leaders considering tax increases.
And Hurricane Rita’s blow to a politically sensitive region of Texas could add more pressure to spend.
Since Hurricane Katrina struck Aug. 29, Congress has approved spending bills and tax cuts worth nearly $71 billion.
Another $5 billion in housing, education and small-business assistance cleared the Senate, even before the Medicaid bill was considered.
