Believe it or not, there are actually some programs that both the President and House Republicans want to cut!
Amid all the rhetorical denunciations, there are actually a few things the plans have in common. Not enough to make a difference, but a few.
The proposals involved tap into one small part of the budget -- non-security discretionary spending -- for the biggest spending reductions. That slice of the budget accounts for around 12% of total spending, but is responsible for many popular government activities.
President Obama's 2012 budget would freeze non-security discretionary spending for five years. And because Obama wants to spend more on certain programs within that portion of the budget, he has to slash funding for hundreds of others.
The Republican plan would cut at least $61 billion in the final seven months of fiscal year 2011, which is a far steeper reduction than Obama wants in fiscal year 2012.
Wait. We agree on something?
Drill down further into the plans, though, and you'll find a smattering of specific programs that both sides want to cut.
Why U.S. debt matters to you
President Obama and House Republicans both propose to reduce funding for a program that helps low-income people pay their energy bills during periods of extreme heat or cold.
