Spin Meter: Lawmakers’ Talk Of Cuts Is Just Talk

If there’s one thing Republicans and Democrats in Washington say they agree on, it’s the need to reduce federal spending. And it’s something they almost never do, as recent events have proved again.

Last week the U.S. Postal Service asked the Senate for permission to proceed with a multibillion-dollar savings package that included closing thousands of money-losing post offices. The Senate refused, voting instead to give the Postal Service another $11 billion amid speeches hailing the historic role of post offices in small towns. The vote also delayed plans to end Saturday mail delivery.

The Postal Service’s board of governors was incensed. “It is totally inappropriate in these economic times to keep unneeded facilities open,” it said.

Much the same happened last month when federally subsidized student loan rates were scheduled to rise, saving the government $6 billion a year. As President Barack Obama campaigned to stop the increase, Republican rival Mitt Romney joined in. House Republicans, whose original budget plan would have allowed the rate increase, quickly followed suit.

And so it goes, program by program, year after year, no matter which party controls the White House or Congress.

Read More at OfficialWire. By Charles Babington, AP.