Lawmakers to debate 'pay as you go' rule

(AP) Legislation aimed at stifling the budget deficit could bedevil its Democratic proponents enjoying their new majority status in the House as well as Republican opponents.

A proposed law known as the "pay as you go" rule is being pushed to the top of the agenda of the Democratic-controlled House with little support from Republicans.

If strictly enforced, the PAYGO rule to be debated Friday would make it difficult for Democrats to pass increases in federal benefit programs such as Medicare. It would also threaten efforts to extend President Bush's tax cuts, most of which expire at the end of 2010.

House lawmakers also will consider a new rule requiring them to attach their names to any homestate projects they obtain in spending bills in hopes that such disclosure would prevent scandals in which members of Congress trade such "earmarks" for bribes, campaign cash or other favors.

The PAYGO and earmark proposals come a day after Democrats seized control of Congress for the first time in 12 years, with a jubilant Nancy Pelosi becoming the first woman ever to rise to speaker of the House.