Moderate Senate Democrats Voice Concerns Over Obama's Budget

Sen. Evan Bayh, D-Ind., hosted the meeting, which was the second time moderate Democrats expressed concern over the budget.
By Trish Turner - FOXNews.com - March 31, 2009

Moderate Senate Democrats voiced concerns about President Obama's budget Tuesday in a meeting with Budget Director Peter Orzag.
Sen. Evan Bayh, D-Ind., hosted the meeting, which was the second time moderate Democrats expressed concern over the budget.
"I think there's a common concern about getting spending under control and making sure that there's a budget that doesn't have unsustainable requirements in it far into the future," said Sen Ben Nelson, D-Neb., who was one of twelve members at the meeting.
Nelson has called the group the "Mod Squad."
Sen Joe Lieberman, D-Conn., who also attended the meeting, said the group is not expected to take a collective position on the budget, a move that could imperil the bill's prospects without some changes and also one that would give this group considerable clout.
Still, Lieberman said he expects "some members of the group will vote for some amendments to curb spending," a top concern of the senator and his colleagues.
The budget is a blueprint, a nonbinding resolution that lays out targets for the year's annual spending and tax bills.
On the controversial idea of using a budgetary tool known as "reconciliation" to protect major new programs like climate change legislation and health care reform from a Senate filibuster, several members told FOX News they oppose the move, but again, don't expect a "Mod Squad" position. (continues...)