That's the date on which the determinative discussions about
the Budget Reform Act of 2011 will begin. We all know that this Act
created the so-called Super Committee to propose a deficit
reduction plan. We also of course know that should the Committee
not reach a recommendation or should Congress not enact the
Committee's recommendation, then the automatic cuts to defense
and entitlements are triggered. The theory of the trigger is that
neither side of the aisle will allow sequestration of such a
drastic extent to cut into its agenda.
The Committee members are no doubt doing their very best to
accomplish their mission. They are - to a man and woman - serious
and dedicated public servants. They are also tasked with a hugely
challenging assignment and the best thinking du jour is that no
deal emerges by the deadline. Further, given the extreme polarity
in the Congress, there is no guarantee that a Committee
recommendation actually passes both chambers.
