By Rosalind S. Helderman

The Washington Post

Sept. 7, 2011

In reality, the committee's mandate is so broad it could make sweeping overhauls to all kinds of government programs, some that cost trillions and others that save similar amounts. Its only charge is that, on balance, the proposals members recommend reduce the deficit by at least $1.2 trillion.

"If they want to, they can make vast and enormous changes," said Steve Bell, senior director of the Economic Policy Project at the Bipartisan Policy Center. "It's the broadest mandate I've ever seen."

Or, they could nibble around the edges.

Read the full article here

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Economic Policy Project