The Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction held its second public hearing Tuesday. A dozen lawmakers, six Democrats and six Republicans, are trying to come to an accord regarding a reduction in government spending by $1.5 trillion over the next 10 years. The members of the committee have until Nov. 23 to present a solution. Congress votes on the proposal no later than Dec. 23. The next public hearing for the committee is Nov. 1.
Here is a look at the six Democrats on the Joint Select Committee.
Sen. Patty Murray, Washington
Sen. Patty Murray of Washington is the co-chair of the Joint Select Committee. She is also the only woman among the 12 members. Murray is serving her fourth term in the Senate. To get the economy moving forward, Murray believes the government should regulate financial markets and provide educational initiatives for people who need re-training.
Rep. Xavier Becerra, California
Rep. Xavier Becerra of California is the vice chair of the House Democratic Caucus. He also touts himself as the first Hispanic to serve on the Ways and Means Committee. Becerra believes much of the current federal deficit stems from two wars and bailouts proposed by the George W. Bush Administration. Becerra has held frequent meetings with constituents when hearing ideas about how to reduce the federal budget. He represents the 31st District in California which includes portions of Glendale and Los Angeles.
Sen. Max Baucus, Montana
Sen. Max Baucus of Montana is one of the most senior Democrats in the Senate. He serves on the Finance Committee, the Agriculture Committee and the Joint Committee on Taxation. Baucus believes the time for partisanship is over and that the country needs deficit reduction solutions now before government spending gets worse.
Rep. James Clyburn, South Carolina
Rep. James Clyburn serves the 6th District of South Carolina which includes portions of Charleston and Columbia. He is the current Assistant Democratic Leader after being the Majority Whip in 2006. Clyburn was first elected to Congress in 1993. He believes his work on the Joint Select Committee can help bring about "fair and balanced" change to funding the federal government that involves a shared sacrifice .
Sen. John Kerry, Massachusetts
Sen. John Kerry of Massachusetts is also a leading Democrat on the Joint Select Committee. He is serving his fifth term in the Senate and is retired from the U.S. Navy . Kerry believes oversight of the financial industry is one way to help get the economy going. He also believes the tax code needs to be reformed and fiscal responsibility must be the norm in Washington.
Rep. Chris Van Hollen, Maryland
Rep. Chris Van Hollen serves Maryland's 8th District including Bethesda and areas northwest of Washington, D.C. He was first elected in 2002 and is the top Democrat in the House Budget Committee. Van Hollen believes a balanced approach to budget reform is the key to the Joint Select Committee's work.
William Browning is a research librarian specializing in U.S. politics. Born in St. Louis, Browning is active in local politics and served as a campaign volunteer for President Barack Obama and Missouri Sen. Claire McCaskill.
