Cantor and Hensarling: Door Still Open for Some Hostage Taking

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(snip)

CANTOR: We’re talking about putting in maximum caps as far as expenditures are concerned. We’re talking about changing the way that the entitlements work in this country for the future, while protecting today’s seniors. These are the kind of things that we’re talking about.

WALLACE: Let me make sure I understand. Obviously, that would be part of the 2012 budget. Are you saying you will impose them as part of the deal to raise the debt limit?

CANTOR: Just as we saw happened this week in Washington, there comes a time leverage moment here, a time in which the White House and the president will actually capitulate to what the American people want right now. They don’t want to raise taxes. They don’t want spending to continue to spiral out of control. Those are the kind of things and mechanisms — whether it’s spending caps, entitlement reforms, budget process reforms — these are the kinds of things that we’re going to have to have to go along with the debt limit increase.

(snip)


CNN's CROWLEY: But you’re not willing to play chicken with debt ceiling? Just yes or no if I could.

HENSARLING: Well, I don’t know what you mean by playing chicken. I’ve said the same thing three times. I do not want America to default on its debt. But the president is going to have to start the process of cutting up the credit cards, pure and simple.

Watch it:

http://thinkprogress.org/2011/04/10/cantor-and-hensarling-door-still-open-for-some-hostage-taking/