The Republican-controlled House is determined to follow through on its plan to cut $100 billion in domestic spending this year—it just isn’t quite sure where the cuts will come from. The military, domestic security, and veterans are safe, but all other federal programs would face 20% cuts, on average, in order to hit the $100 billion mark, which would essentially return government operations to 2008 levels, the New York Times reports. Among other things, a 20% cut would mean 40,000 fewer teachers and school aides, and layoffs or furloughs for many federal employees.
That amount is so drastic that Senate Republicans aren’t exactly jumping on board with the $100 billion pledge, and if areas like education and law enforcement are in fact cut to that degree, Democrats could end up with ammunition against Republicans in swing districts, where governors and other officials are sure to protest. Of course, even if the House adopts the drastic budget, it will face opposition from the still-Democrat-controlled Senate, not to mention President Obama’s veto power. Even so, House Republicans could enjoy more leverage when they go up against the White House for budget negotiations this winter and spring
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