WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The White House and U.S. Congress will issue separate budget estimates on Tuesday that could slow President Barack Obama's domestic policy proposals as he faces increased skepticism among lawmakers.
The reports by the White House budget office and the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office are expected to show the government will spend a record $1.6 trillion more than it collects this year and nearly double its outstanding debt over the next 10 years.
The grim fiscal picture could provide further fodder to opponents of Obama's nearly $1 trillion healthcare overhaul, including fiscally conservative members of his own Democratic party, who say the nation must get its existing healthcare and retirement programs under control before extending them.
"The numbers are scary," said Austin Smythe, Republican staff director of the House Budget Committee.
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