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Even fairly regular consumers of cable TV know that the "Cut, Cap, and Balance" is the House Republicans' plan to deal with the debt through spending cuts and other reforms. Those who pay a bit more attention know it's the bill put forward by the conservative caucus among House Republicans. And those who pay even closer attention know that the conservative caucus's official name is the Republican Study Committee (RSC).
The RSC has long been the home of House Republicans' economic and social conservatives. It has always had some measure of influence. But it is arguably more influential right now than it has been in a long time - maybe ever.
So who's running it? Ohio Congressman Jim Jordan, a former state wrestling champion who mixes the physicality of sports with the humility of circumspect faith in his approach to policy and politics.
Bob Costa at NR features Jordan today. This clip stands out:
If Republicans really want to champion [a balanced budget amendment], they should help “build the case with the American people, enough to get Democrats to come over and help us pass the balanced-budget amendment with a supermajority,” he says.
“That’s our strategy at the RSC,” Jordan says. “We want to get the win now.” If a debt-limit accord without a balanced-budget amendment is proffered, the same bloc that opposed the Boehner–White House spending deal, he says, will rally in opposition.
It's Jordan's job to push for everything right now, no holds barred. George Will's column today asks him and the caucus to think twice, though, about whether that's the best way to achieve their goals.
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