Evening star., 1949-05-21
Democrats in Senate
Seek Own Formula
To Cut U. 5. Spending
Economy Move Is Blocked
Fourth Time on Funds
For Waterways Projects
~ me Assoc ,a,sa Pt.ss

~ ~. A.,este,sd rts.s
Senate Democratic Leader Lu-
cas- said today there will have 10
be either a tax increase or q cut
in Federal spending preferably
the latter.
But he made II clear he still Is
against the Repunlican-led drive
so far unsuccessful--to trim each
appropriation bill By at lease s
per cent.
That economy move was blocked
for the fourth straight time late
yesterday when the Senate. by
voice vote, passed and sent back
10 the House a bill carrying 3Tsi.-
900 .000--nearly all OF 1t for flood
control and river and harbor
projects.
The Senate total is Sl5s. 900 900
more than the House voted and
s2i .o0o. 900 less than President
Truman wanted.
Three Proposals Defeated.
The Senate rejected a proposed
5 per cent cut In its figure by q
vote OF ~ 20 80. II killed a 10
per cent reduction amendment.
48 TO 20. And 1t swamped. SO 70
is. 4 proposal by Senator Douglas.
Democrat. OF Illinois. to slash the
fund 20 per cent--by $500. 900 900
The 5 per cent cut proposal was
sponsored by Senator Wherry OF
the Republican leader.
Senator Ferguson. Republican. Of
Michigan proposed the 10 per cent
reduction.
Senator Lucas. opposing what
he called ''piecemeal" cuts. told
reporters the Democrats on the
Senate Appropriations Committee
have indicated 10 me they will
work out some formula for econ
omy." He added.
The Republicans have ne
monopoly on economy. There Is
a great opportunity 10 work out
something before We are finished
would hope that some way can
be found 30 we can stay within
the budget"
Budget Defleit Predicted.
The stafY OF the Joint Congress
sional Tax Committee recently
presented figures foreeasting a
So 900 .o0o. 900 budget deficit for
the fiscal year starting July J. In
January. Mr.. Truman predicted .
deficit OF about 5000 900 900 on
the basis OF expenditures contetn-
plated at that time.
The President also asked then
for q $4,000. 900 900 tax boost
Congress has shown very little in
clination 70 30 along on that idea,
Senator Lucas. administration
spokesman in the Senate. vas
asked whether he felt II would be
possible TO balance the oudxet
without 0 tax increase.
He said he had no comment on
that. but added The way sp-
preparations are going. there
either will have 10 be q cut In sx-
penditures or q tax bill"
Douglas Plan bitterly Assaiied-
Senator Douglas stirred Up the
most commotion at yesterday .
session with his proposal 10 trim
the food control-rivers and har-
bors bill by 20 per cent. Even
some Of his economy colleagues
deserted him on that one. and
some Of them bitterly sssaiied his
plan.
The bin provides for financing
scores Of local projects dear TO
the heart Of Congress members
Senator Douglas said that nj
times the annual civil functions
measure has been labelled . pork
barrel" bill. He called On the
Senate to build q hot FIRE and
fry out $500 600 900 Of the fat" in
the measure.
Chairman MeKeIiar Of the APP
proprsatsnns Committee. accused
Senator Douglas Of trying 70 In
himself up In his own STATE pail
tacally.~ He said that Senator
Douglas doesn't kncw snyfhsns
about the bill
senator MEKsilsY said Senator
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