Super committee progress appears to be at 'impasse'

As the clock ticks toward the panel's Thanksgiving deadline, the question of raising taxes continues to be a sticking point. Republicans and Democrats appear to be trying to "horsetrade" revenue increases for entitlement program cuts. In the background, 33 Republican senators sent a letter to the committee insisting on "no net tax increase."

The Washington Post: Debt-Reduction Super Committee Talks Appear To Be At An Impasse
Washington's latest exercise in debt reduction appeared to be at an impasse Thursday, as members of a special congressional committee barreled toward a Thanksgiving deadline with no movement on the fundamental question of whether to raise taxes. … As GOP super committee members huddled Thursday afternoon with House Speaker John A. Boehner (R-Ohio) and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), GOP aides and lawmakers close to the process said they were still trying to horsetrade with Democrats over revenue increases and cuts to entitlement programs, such as Medicare and Medicaid (Montgomery, 11/3).

The New York Times: GOP Senators' Letter Clouds Talks On Deficit
As a powerful Congressional committee searched desperately for ways to reduce the federal budget deficit, conservative Republicans and progressive Democrats hardened their positions on Thursday by drawing lines that will make it more difficult for the panel to find consensus. A group of 33 Republican senators sent a letter to members of the panel insisting on "no net tax increase" (Pear, 11/3).

Los Angeles Times: GOP Senators Warn Super Committee On Taxes
The message was taken as a blow to efforts to put both tax hikes and spending cuts on the table as the super committee struggles to meet its Thanksgiving deadline. Republicans have been steadfast in their refusal to raise taxes, and Democrats are only willing to engage in cuts to Medicare and other entitlement programs if new revenues are part of the mix (Mascaro, 11/3).

The New York Times: Interest Groups Try To Catch Debt Committee's Ear
Health care providers, worried about Medicaid cuts and other programs, have taken out big ads around Washington to make their case. Lobbyists for defense contractors have been meeting with Congressional staff members to warn of the threat to national security if weapons programs are slashed. Some farmers are anxious to avoid cuts in crop subsidies. And cities and counties warn of rising crime rates if federal financing for police, fire services and the like are curtailed (Lichtblau, 11/3).