WASHINGTON — Sen. Ben Nelson said Wednesday that President Barack Obama’s proposed spending freeze on nonmilitary discretionary spending is a good first step, but that more needs to be done to get the federal budget deficit under control.
“Millions of Americans are on an austerity diet because of our economic troubles, and government needs to go on an austerity diet as well,” the Nebraska Democrat said during a conference call with reporters.
He said he would work with colleagues on ways to rein in the budget deficit.
But when asked moments later about proposed cuts to farm payments and crop insurance, Nelson defended that spending, saying government belt-tightening must be done in a “responsible fashion.”
“These programs are essential if we want to remain independent when it comes to our own food production so that we’re not in a position where we have to import food because it can be produced cheaper in other locations,” Nelson said.
He added: “We will fight for agriculture to make sure that no cuts are made in areas where ... the funding is absolutely necessary.”
Nelson declined to set a target for how much the budget deficit needs to be reduced overall and shied away from proposing any specific spending cuts of his own until later in the budget process.
As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Nelson said he’ll be looking at specific areas within the Defense Department’s budget.
“We will sort through this individually, if you will, agency by agency and sector by sector to find specific cuts where we can be supportive,” Nelson said.
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