Sen. Tom Coburn On Committee Working To Slash Nation's Debt

Oklahoma Congressman Tom Coburn is one of six lawmakers looking to come up with a bi-partisan solution to fix the nation's debt crisis. One thing the group is considering --- hiking taxes.

Monday, April 25th 2011, 12:56 am

By: News 9


Jon Jordan, News 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Oklahoma Congressman Tom Coburn is one of six lawmakers looking to come up with a bi-partisan solution to fix the nation's debt crisis. One thing the group is considering --- hiking taxes.

While Coburn and his colleagues haven't said if a tax hike will be included in their plan, one thing Coburn made clear in interviews Sunday was that all options are on the table.

They are known as the "gang of six"-- three democrats and three republicans working together to come up with a bi-partisan solution to fix the nation's $14 trillion debt.

"What the country needs to hear from the leaders in Washington is we understand how big the problem is and we're willing to lose elections to what is best for the country," Coburn said.

But what Coburn and his colleagues may end up deciding is best for America may not be what American's want to see-- higher taxes.

Coburn, who often opposes increasing taxes, said he is isn't ruling out raising taxes if it means solving the nation's debt crisis, and the only way Coburn said that happens is if both parties work together.

"The country can't afford for us not to have an agreement," Coburn said.

Coburn said fixing the nation's $14 trillion debt is "a matter of national survival."

"The fact is we have enormous problems ahead of us that have to be addressed and that have to be addressed in a way that will have to get 60 votes in the senate, a majority of it in the House, and something the president will sign," Coburn said.

While Coburn and his colleagues haven't formally said what their plan will include, pundits expect it will likely include changes in the government-- most costly programs such as Medicare, defense and social security.

The "gang of six" expected to announce their plan sometime next month.

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