- The Washington Times - Sunday, May 1, 2011

Sen. John Barrasso said Sunday that Republicans are committed to holding the line on raising the debt ceiling unless President Obama agrees to significant concessions on reining in federal spending over the long term.

“What the president is asking for is a blank check and a new credit card,” Mr. Barrasso, Wyoming Republican, said on CNN’s “State of the Union.”

Rep. Chris Van Hollen, Maryland Democrat, appearing on the same program, said Democrats want to see a more “balanced approach” from the GOP on deficit reduction.



Mr. Barrasso was skeptical.

“They use the words ’balanced approach,’ but they don’t use the words ’balanced budget,’” Mr. Barrasso, an orthopedic surgeon, said.

• David Eldridge can be reached at deldridge@washingtontimes.com.

Copyright © 2025 The Washington Times, LLC. Click here for reprint permission.

Please read our comment policy before commenting.

PIANO END ARTICLE RECO