A staffer for Democratic Sen. Patty Murray told Republican Sen. Mike Crapo Thursday that the newly proposed Democratic budget will essentially not reduce the deficit at all in its first year.
“You’re talking about a $1.85 trillion deficit reduction over ten [years],” Crapo said during a Senate panel about the budget proposal. “How much of that happens in year one?” he asked.
“There are spending savings in year one, but in total, it’s about no — in the first year,” responded John Righter, Democratic deputy staff director on the Senate budget committee.
WATCH:
“It’s about what?” Crapo asked.
“It’s zero in the first year in total cause there’s spending savings and spending costs,” answered Righter.
(RELATED: Democrats’ budget plan seeks $1.5 trillion tax hike, plus 10-year spending boost)
“So, I didn’t understand you. It’s zero in the first year?” Crapo asked again.
“That’s right, yeah,” said another staffer. “On net. On net, sir,” Righter confirmed.
“Which confirms my worry,” Crapo said, “because I don’t have confidence that we’re going to get into year two. But year one achieves zero net deficit reduction.”