Reply #2: Hersarling opened the meeting

[karynnj]

September 13 th will be the first hearing and all the members will make statements. Murray and Hersarling will alternate chairing the hearings. The only witness at the first hearing will be CBO person Doug Elmendorf and the topic is the history and drivers of this problem.

Hersaling opening statement - He says that cutting the debt itself will help the economy. He also speaks of the children and the loss of freedom and our standard of living. He quotes Obama that Medicare and SS are the main drivers and are unsustainable. "progrowth" tax reform. Must be about saving the safety net programs (!) Task not easy.

Says that there will be some chance for the public to be heard, but he also said that some meetings will be closed.