Deal: Budget a more immediate concern for Congress

GAINESVILLE - While Social Security is getting the most attention in Washington these days and dominated his chamber of commerce speech in Gainesville Thursday, Cong. Nathan Deal said the most immediate problem facing congress is this year's budget.

At the crux of the budget matters, Deal told the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, is the president's proposal to cut or eliminate 154 programs. He said "you can't complain about deficits" without talking about cuts.

As for Social Security, the congressman said reforms are needed now because there is a crisis, regardless of what the president's critics say. If something is not done now, it will have to be done later, Deal said. He noted there are now three workers for every one retiree, but soon that ratio will drop to two for every one.

On another subject, Deal said he doesn't foresee congressional action this year on reform of the income tax structure, including possibly replacing it with a national sales tax, this year. In fact, he said, it may not happen until 2006.

http://accesswdun.com/article/2005/2/140011