WASHINGTON (AP) — A White House official on Tuesday said President Obama will call for a five-year freeze in nonsecurity, discretionary spending during his State of the Union address.
The official said the proposal will be part of the president’s plans to reduce the deficit that he will outline in Tuesday’s prime-time address. The official said Mr. Obama also will call for lawmakers to back a five-year plan put forth by Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates to save $78 billion in defense spending.
Mr. Obama is under pressure from the American public and lawmakers to cut spending. Several Republican lawmakers have proposed cutting $100 billion from Mr. Obama’s budget for the current year.
The official spoke on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly ahead of the president’s speech.
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