Ryan Says Republican Goal Is ‘Big Down Payment’ on Debt

House Republicans want to force “a big down payment on the debt crisis” during debate on spending cuts and extending the U.S. government’s borrowing authority, said Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan.

Ryan said the debt-limit issue, the scheduled March 1 start of $110 billion in automatic spending cuts -- half in defense -- and the need to extend the government’s spending authority past March 27 “are the points” to “force the conversation” on reducing the debt.