House Budget chairman 'encouraged' by Obama spending freeze

The chairman of the House Budget Committee said Tuesday he's "encouraged" by President Barack Obama's proposed spending freeze.

Rep. John Spratt (D-S.C.), the centrist chairman of the key House committee, urged new measures to increase fiscal discipline in the wake of a Congressional Budget Office (CBO) numbers showing a $1.35 trillion deficit projected in 2010.

"These projections are another reminder that as the economy recovers, it is critically important to take steps to address the long-term budgetary challenges our nation is facing," Spratt said in a statement.

"For example, the Congress should consider changes to budget rules, such as the adoption of statutory pay-as-you-go rules," Spratt added. "And I am encouraged that the Obama Administration announced last night its commitment to restraint in domestic discretionary spending.”

The Obama administration announced that it would seek a three-year freeze in non-military discretionary spending, an announcement which has prompted a variety of reactions from House and Senate Democrats.

The move is seen as a move toward deficit reduction ahead of the midterm elections this fall, during which Spratt is expected to face a top-tier challenge from Republican Mick Mulvaney.

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