Reagan plea to party sceptics

Press, 15 February 1982, Page 6

Reagan plea to party sceptics

NZPA-Reuter Washington

President Ronald Reagan, seeking to rally support for his new Budget among sceptical Republicans in Congress, has sent them a letter pleading that “this is no time fdr turning back." The letter urged Republicans not to focus on voters’ criticism of his economic plan calling for an 18 per cent increase in defence spending and deep cuts in social programmes. "I urge you to listen to the real voices of the American people, not just the squeaky wheels; May you draw strength from them as I have." he wrote.

He said Congressional enactment last year of his programme of Budget and tax cuts, and increases in military spending was an initial victory in the battle for economic recovery. Although the Administration predicts a Federal deficit of more than $9O billion

next year, Mr Reagan wrote: “We are bringing the Budget under control (and) winning the battle against inflation. “Where we have honest differences, you can count on me to be a willing listener and a sincere partner, but this is no time for turning back.”

Republican Congressional leaders who met Mr Reagan last week said they told him that his proposed 1983 Budget could not be approved in its present form because of huge projected deficits. The Senate Majority Leader. Howard Baker, said after the meeting that Mr Reagan had agreed to allow Congress some' “running room” to cut the Budget and reduce deficits.

But Mr Reagan said he was not prepared to compromise on his plans to increase military spending and cut taxes, both of which are contributing to the size of the projected deficit, according to Republican leaders.