Yes, Congress could increase the negotiating variables used to pass a budget and increase our debt limit. Democrats have already caved in to Republican spending cuts to the budget. However, Democrats could agree to eliminate access to affordable health care for anyone who has not signed up for coverage as of March 31, 2014.

Also, the future annual sign-up period for new requests for health coverage or changes in health care plans could be limited to the month of October for each new year. Republicans would then need to agree on a tax of 34 percent on any company or individual making more than $1 million and required registration and licensing of all firearms.

This seems fair, since Republicans will partially accomplish their perverse goal of denying affordable health care to some of the people that need it, while Democrats can rejoice in efforts to make our country safer and more economically stable.

David Greaves

Spokane