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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Lott Sends Mixed Signals On Budget

Los Angeles Times

Sending a signal that Republicans will not be pushovers in the coming budget talks with the White House, Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott, R-Miss., said Friday that he was “gravely depressed” by President Clinton’s budget because it does not go far enough in cutting spending and taxes.

But at the same time, Lott announced that Clinton will go to Capitol Hill Tuesday for talks with congressional leaders that could be the first step toward a balanced budget deal.

Lott’s mixed message reflects a dilemma facing the GOP as it plots budget strategy. Many Republicans are hungry for some kind of deal. But conservatives do not want to compromise too easily on their remaining differences with Clinton over tax cuts and other issues.