Federal Budget

nytimes.com
March 12, 2012
Jonanthan Weisman
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/13/us/politics/gop-split-over-bid-to-revise-budget-deal.html?scp=4&sq=federal%20budget&st=cse

Summary-
    Though the Republicans in Congress have officially decided to stick with a specific number on how much money the government should be allowed to spend in the face of the deficit, some of the more conservative Republicans would like to change the number to something even lower. The president, in light of the fact that it is an election year, is pressuring them not to bicker too much since it would look bad for everyone including him. Most Republicans are content with the number set and are willing to stick with it.

Connection-
    This connects to class through the discussions about elections and the constituencies of those in office. The people voting want to see people who accomplish things while in office, and if no one in Washington can manage to keep to the things they have already agreed to, it will probably not gain those politicians favor. Politicians often will change their behavior in ways that the constituency will look favorably on right before elections, even if it might not do the most good.

Personal Reaction-
    It would probably be best for the Republicans to keep to the agreement already in place, even if the budget should be lowered further. No one will agree to reopen the issue, and it would cause chaos to attempt it.