Ryan takes shot against Obama in opening debate on FY 2012 budget

House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) on Thursday evening took an early shot against President Obama in the opening moments of the FY 2012 budget debate, calling Obama's Wednesday speech just a speech, not a real spending plan.

"We had a speech yesterday from the president, not a plan so to speak, but a speech," Ryan said. "And unfortunately, I think the speech, which was a framework with no details, was really not about solutions but about partisanship.

"I'm concerned ... that leaders here in town are more concerned about the next election than the next generation," Ryan added.

He also rejected Democratic arguments that his budget resolution would gut Medicare, saying his plan would not touch Medicare for people on the program now or who are within 10 years of eligibility. Ryan's plan would provide for payment assistance to those under 55 in order for them to buy their own health insurance.

In contrast, Ryan said, Obama prefers to lean on an unelected commission to make price-control decisions related to Medicare spending. Ryan's bill would dismantle that agency.

Ryan said the GOP budget has four objectives: to create jobs in the economy, provide for retirement security, save the social safety net, and give future generations a debt-free country.

Ranking Budget Committee Member Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) said the budget is the "wrong choice for America," in particular because it ends the Medicare guarantee and in the view of Democrats does not tax the wealthy enough to help reduce the deficit.

Four hours of debate is scheduled on the budget resolution, which could conclude Thursday by around 9:30 p.m. After that, the House will consider six substitute amendments, including one from Ryan and another from Republican Study Committee members that would cut spending more than Ryan's proposal.