Bipartisan Letter to Super Committee: Blow Past $1.5T

A collection of 100 House members—including, critically, 40 Republicans—have sent a bipartisan letter urging the deficit reduction “super committee” to create a broad deal that would both trim entitlement cuts and boost revenue. “To succeed, all options for mandatory discretionary spending and revenues must be on the table,” the letter reads, urging the committee to shoot past its $1.5 trillion goal and noting that prior task forces have recommended cutting as much as $4 trillion from the deficit, according to the Washington Post.

The letter represents the most significant sign that Republicans could compromise on revenues—Democrats have already signaled willingness to compromise on entitlements. Republican Rep. Cynthia Lummis said she wanted to see a package “so big, so comprehensive, so inclusive that any great statesman or stateswoman could hardly resist voting for it.” Another signer, Steven LaTourette, is a close John Boehner ally, and says the letter indicates that Republican leaders are ready for a bargain—even if they must leave the party’s most conservative voices behind. (More super committee stories.)