Sen. Tom Coburn, R-Okla., on Tuesday walked away from negotiations with the so-called “Gang of Six,” a bipartisan group of Senators seeking a long-term budget deal.
Many conservatives have been urging Coburn to walk away from the talks, because Democrats are unlikely to endorse any final deal that does not include tax increases.
Coburn spokesman John Hart released the following statement moments ago:
Dr. Coburn made a number of comments today regarding how the Gang of Six has reached an impasse.
He is disappointed the group has not been able to bridge the gap between what needs to happen and what senators will support. He has decided to take a break from the talks.
He still hopes the Senate will, on a bipartisan basis, pass a long-term deficit reduction package this year. He looks forward to working with anyone who is interested in putting forward a plan that is specific, balanced and comprehensive.
He is disappointed the group has not been able to bridge the gap between what needs to happen and what senators will support. He has decided to take a break from the talks.
He still hopes the Senate will, on a bipartisan basis, pass a long-term deficit reduction package this year. He looks forward to working with anyone who is interested in putting forward a plan that is specific, balanced and comprehensive.
