GOP offers alternative to Obama plan

Washington —- House Republicans released their response to President Barack Obama’s deficit-laden budget Thursday, a pamphlet with few details.

It promises to simplify the tax code and cut income tax rates to 10 percent for people making $100,000 or less and to reduce domestic spending below current levels. Republican aide Matt Lloyd said Social Security and Medicare would not face outright cuts.

The GOP plan comes two days after Obama criticized Republicans for offfering criticisms instead of solutions on his budget plan, now working its way through Congress.

Republicans said more details will be out next week as the party offers an alternative, promising spending amounts, revenue levels and the size of the budget deficit in a more traditional format.

“We’re going to show a leaner budget, a budget with lower taxes, lower spending, and lower borrowing,” said Mike Pence of Indiana, the No. 3 Republican in the House. “And it’s going to be a budget that says, ‘Here’s how best to get America out of this struggling economy.’ “

> ON THE WEB: Details: www.gop.gov