Spending cuts seen as test of GOP leaders

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Cutting government spending this year is the first big test for the reorganized House Republican leadership team, with some conservatives saying a failure could have major political ramifications.

"We can't afford to go into an election year with a record of fiscal irresponsibility," said Rep. Jeff Flake, an Arizona Republican who has been pushing for mandatory program cuts and an across-the-board cut in discretionary spending.

"This is the first test of the leadership team. ... It's Roy Blunt's test more than anything."

The House Republican leadership team was reorganized in September after Majority Leader Tom DeLay, Texas Republican, left that leadership post after being indicted for conspiracy to launder money.

House Majority Leader Roy Blunt, Missouri Republican, and his team are trying to shepherd a proposal that would go beyond the budget recommendation and find an additional $15 billion in savings from entitlement programs -- bringing the budget savings to $50 billion.

They're also trying to negotiate an across-the-board cut in discretionary spending for later in the year.

"Leaders have indicated they want to cut with us and help us, but it's going to be a test of their leadership whether they get the votes or not," said Rep. Joe Pitts, Pennsylvania Republican.

Mr. Flake said that if the team does not deliver, he will circulate a petition to hold new Republican leadership elections. He said leaders should be "cracking heads" as they did a few years ago for the forthcoming Medicare prescription-drug program.

"This leadership has helped ramp up spending. We've got to turn it around," Mr. Flake said. "If they're willing to do it, the rank and file will stick with them."

But Mr. Blunt said that rank-and-file Republicans hold the key to spending cuts.