Roster for deficit commission is complete

The roster for a presidential deficit-reduction panel is now complete, with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi Wednesday appointing House Budget Chairman John Spratt, Democratic Caucus Vice Chairman Xavier Becerra of California and Rep. Jan Schakowsky, D-Ill., to it.

President Obama created the commission last month, after efforts in Congress to establish such a commission fell short. The presidential commission will present its proposals to Congress by Dec. 1. Fourteen of its 18 members must agree on the final package, and Democratic leaders have pledged to take up the recommendations.

"Addressing the challenge of our national debt requires bold leadership and tough choices from members of both parties," Pelosi said in a release. "Chairman Spratt, Congressman Becerra, and Congresswoman Schakowsky are champions of common sense steps to balancing our budget and keeping our commitment to all Americans."

Obama has chosen six of the 18 members, including tapping Erskine Bowles, a former chief of staff to President Bill Clinton, and former Sen. Alan Simpson, R-Wyo., as co-chairmen.

His appointees also include Honeywell International Inc. CEO David Cote, a Republican; former Congressional Budget Office Director Alice Rivlin, a Democrat; Service Employees International Union President Andy Stern; and Anne Fudge, former CEO of Young & Rubicam Brands.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid selected Senate Budget Chairman Kent Conrad, Senate Majority Whip Richard Durbin and Senate Finance Chairman Max Baucus.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell named Senate Budget ranking member Judd Gregg and Sens. Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, and Tom Coburn, R-Okla.

House Minority Leader John Boehner picked Ways and Means ranking member Dave Camp, Budget ranking member Paul Ryan and Rep. Jeb Hensarling, R-Texas.

Given Republicans' aversion to increased taxes and Democrats' reluctance to cut social programs, it might be difficult for 14 of the 18 members to agree on one package, some budget experts have said.

But House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer was optimistic. "I hope that all members of the commission will come to the table ready to negotiate fiscal discipline measures, on both the spending and revenues side, without preconditions," Hoyer said in a release.