Clinton, GOP agree to address spending fight without using Social Security

"Now we just have to roll up our sleeves."<br> <br>That's what Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott said after a meeting between President Clinton and top lawmakers over the federal budget.<br> <br>G-O-P

Tuesday, October 19th 1999, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

"Now we just have to roll up our sleeves."

That's what Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott said after a meeting between President Clinton and top lawmakers over the federal budget.

G-O-P lawmakers say Clinton agreed to their demand not to use Social Security surpluses to pay for federal spending.

They say they'll try to resolve the budget impasse within the next week.

Republicans say Clinton also agreed to abandon his effort to pay for extra spending for schools by raising taxes, including a hike
in the federal cigarette tax.

But Democrats say Clinton believes a lesser increase is politically viable. Earlier today, Clinton's plan to hike some taxes and fees went down to a resounding defeat in the House.