McConnell seeks Democratic defectors to back 'cut, cap, and balance'

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) on Tuesday urged Democrats to get on board with the GOP's "Cut, Cap and Balance" Act. 

“ 'Cut, cap, and balance' is the kind of tough legislation Washington needs and that Americans want, and Republicans will spend the week trying to convince Democrats to join us in supporting it," said McConnell. 

The GOP plan, which will come up for a vote in the House on Tuesday, would only accept an increase in the federal debt ceiling if immediate cuts are made, federal spending is brought back into balance over the next several years, and a balanced-budget amendment to the Constitution is approved by Congress.

McConnell said many Senate Democrats ought to be able to support the part of the bill that would require the federal government to balance its budget through a constitutional amendment.  

“At least 23 of them have either said or suggested they support the idea or told their constituents that they’ll 'lead' on the issue," said McConnell. “I urge my colleagues in the strongest possible terms to join us.”

McConnell also took a dig at President Obama, claiming the president’s commitment to big government is standing in the way of long-term reform. 

“Republicans have tried to persuade the president of the need for a serious course correction, but weeks of negotiations have shown that his commitment to big government is simply too great to lead to the kind of long-term reforms we need to put us on a path to balance and economic growth," said McConnell from the Senate floor.