Budget Pact Wins Wide Support

While some voiced reservations, key legislators from both parties and varying ideological camps -- including some who had been critical earlier in the process -- on Tuesday expressed general support for the budget and tax deal unveiled late Monday.

However, some conservative Republicans and tobacco state members are positioning themselves to vote against the spending bill.

Sen. Phil Gramm, R-Texas, a leading conservative who voted against the tax bill when it passed the Senate, told reporters, "I feel better about the tax bill" that emerged from final negotiations with the White House than about the spending measure. Gramm said "I could" end up voting against the spending bill but for the tax cut bill -- although he said he has not yet decided what to do. "Medicare is a big disappointment," said Gramm.

House GOP conservatives expressed similar sentiments. Rep. Matt Salmon, R-Ariz., said he is enthusiastic about the tax cut bill, but added, "I have a little bit of heartburn on the spending bill right now." But he said he had not yet decided how to vote. Neither had Rep. David McIntosh, R-Ind., a member of the Conservative Action Team. McIntosh said he "could well end up voting for the tax cuts and against the spending and entitlements bill."

But Rep. Sam Johnson, R-Texas, co-chairman of the CATs, said the Medicare reform provisions in the spending bill -- which he termed "fabulous" -- were enough to ensure a "yes" vote from him on both bills. House Majority Leader Armey said, "I should think we'll lose a few members on the spending bill, maybe around 25, but I don't anticipate we'll lose any on the tax bill."

Senate Budget Chairman Domenici said during a Senate GOP Conference meeting this morning "not a single Republican had an objection" to the final bill. But a Senate Finance aide said after the bill was explained at the GOP session "there [were] a few little technical things that people are upset over" and that "the state-sponsored prepaid tuition plans are the one where there's a problem."

Senate Majority Whip Nickles said, "My guess is we will have overwhelming support in the Senate and the House as well." On the Democratic side, Senate Minority Leader Daschle said he is "very pleased" and predicted "an overwhelming majority of Democrats will support this agreement."

But House Minority Leader Gephardt, who this spring opposed the budget resolution containing the broad outlines of the deal, remained publicly silent -- leaving a Democratic Caucus meeting this morning without commenting to reporters. However, other House Democratic leaders predicted a large number of Democrats will support both the tax and spending bills.

"There was overwhelming sentiment in our group that this has been a major success, not only for the president, but for our party," House Democratic Caucus Chairman Vic Fazio of California said. And House Minority Whip Bonior said the agreement "deserves our support." President Clinton this afternoon endorsed what he called "an historic" budget agreement.