Congressional leaders continue to work toward reopening government and extend the debt limit before the October 27th deadline. While details are vague, it appears that the proposal would immediately end the shutdown and fund federal agencies for six months at current spending levels. It would maintain the automatic cuts, or sequester, but give agency officials more flexibility to decide where the cuts should fall rather than just mandating across-the-board cuts (although some agencies may ultimately decide to implement some uniform reductions). In addition, the proposal would raise the debt limit through January 31, 2014.
It is unclear at this point whether the proposal will also include directions to House and Senate budget committees to immediately enter negotiations over broader budget issues and to issue a report by January 15, 2014. If an agreement could be reached, it would clear a path for another increase in the debt limit later that month, without additional drama.
In exchange, Republicans may seek minor adjustments to health care reform. The first would delay for two years a 2.3 percent tax on medical devices that is unpopular in both parties. The second would require internal auditors to ensure that people who get tax subsidies to buy health insurance are in fact eligible.
House GOP leaders are meeting this morning to discuss their options. Both chambers are scheduled to meet today and could possible begin moving a compromise proposal forward to end the current fiscal crisis.