The plan for deep budget cuts appears to be breaking down party discipline in the House. Two weeks ago the Senate approved the Specter-Harkin amendment, restoring funds to current levels instead of steep cuts for health, education and other vital services.

This week Republican moderate leader Mike Castle (R-DE) declared "While I have always advocated for reducing the deficit and using fiscal discipline, it is the taxpayers at the local level in our districts who are bearing the burden of cuts to social programs like education, health care and housing. It is each of our constituents that will be asked to make up the difference, paying more of the federal government's share of the education, housing, and services that our cities and towns provide."

Leading a rally of moderates on March 28 to demand more funding for discretionary programs in the House budget resolution, Castle said he would not vote for a House Budget Resolution that would result in real cuts to critical federal investments in education, health care, housing, veterans’ services, social and community block grants.

The House Budget Committee is expected to mark up the resolution March 29 and floor action is considered likely next week.