Lieberman praises Ryan's 'courage' in proposing deep spending cuts

Sen. Joe Lieberman (Conn.), an Independent who caucuses with the Democrats, praised House Budget Chairman Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) on Tuesday for proposing a plan to cut the federal deficit by $5.8 trillion over 10 years.

“I thank Chairman Ryan for having the courage not just to talk frankly about the danger America's national debt poses to the American people, but also to propose a comprehensive program to cut the national debt,” Lieberman said in a statement. “One does not have to agree with all or most of Chairman Ryan's proposals to be able to applaud his serious commitment to reduce the debt that threatens our nation's future.

“I look forward to reading and studying Paul’s proposals. I hope it will begin an open and honest national conversation about exactly what we can do together to bring our government's books into balance,” Lieberman added.

Other Democrats, including Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (Ill.), have criticized Ryan for proposing significant cuts to projected Medicare and Medicaid spending.

Lieberman, a former Democrat who ran for reelection in 2006 as an independent, has a history of clashing with his Democratic colleagues. A one-time Democratic vice-presidential nominee, Lieberman endorsed and campaigned for Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) during his 2008 run against then-Sen. Barack Obama.

“Now is not the time for half-measures or politics as usual, and Chairman Ryan has recognized this reality by offering his plan,” Lieberman said. “Let us now work together to forge and pass bi-partisan legislation that puts our country on a course to restore fiscal responsibility and places entitlement programs on a sound financial footing.”