© 2024 Western New York Public Broadcasting Association

140 Lower Terrace
Buffalo, NY 14202

Mailing Address:
Horizons Plaza P.O. Box 1263
Buffalo, NY 14240-1263

Buffalo Toronto Public Media | Phone 716-845-7000
WBFO Newsroom | Phone: 716-845-7040
Your NPR Station
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Senator Schumer voices optisim on deficit plan

WBFO News photo by Eileen Buckley

U.S. Senator Charles Schumer was disappointed in last week's failure by a Congressional supercommittee to reach agreement on cutting the nation's deficit. 

While appearing in Buffalo Monday promoting an increase in NEXUS centers, reporters asked Schumer what he predicts is next in Washington.

"And there  are some on the far left who don't want any agreement there are some on the far right who don't want any agreement but the majority do," said Senator Schumer

Senator Schumer said he believes there is a broad consensus that if lawmakers don't deal with the Nation's deficit there will be major troubles.

"We are like a blind folded man walking toward a cliff and if we keep walking in that direction, sure as we are standing here today we will fall off in the future. Now some people that cliff is 50 yards away some people think it is 500 yards away but know one can deny we are going to fall off if we keep going in the same direction," said Schumer.

Schumer is optimistic a broad agreement will be reached on the budget early next year. He said the consequences  would effect many more taxpayers if a deal is not reached.

"The so called sequestration trigger occurs on January 1, 2013.  It will be huge cuts across the board hurting everybody.  Second, the Bush tax cuts phase out on January 1 of 2013, that would mean  increases in taxes not just for the wealthy but for the middle class as well," said Senator Schumer.

And Schumer believes constituents could also be a driving force as lawmakers return to their districts for the holidays.

"When members of Congress, House, Senate, democrat, republican, go home, the number one thing they hear from people is get something done," said Schumer.
 
Schumer also told reporters once the republicans have their presidential candidate in place. it should be easier to accomplish agreements on the deficit.  He noted that candidate will have to move to middle ground.