Baucus Very Confident Debt Deal Can Be Reached

U.S. Sen. Max Baucus says he is confident the bipartisan deficit committee can reach a deal in the next month to find $1.2 trillion in budget savings.

Baucus says the committee remains united in its agreement to keep specifics among themselves.

Observers have become increasingly skeptical that Republicans could ever agree to tax increases or that Democrats could ever agree to cuts to programs like Medicare.

But Baucus says it can happen. In a conference call Wednesday with Montana reporters, Baucus said there is an "excellent chance" the deficit reduction panel will reach a deal by a Nov. 23 deadline.

Baucus says Republicans remain open to different ways to raise tax revenue as part of a deal that also cuts spending.

The Democrat said he is open to all options.

Associated Press