WASHINGTON – Senate Democrats signaled Thursday they will call for spending cuts as part of legislation to keep the government in operation through the end of the fiscal year, accepting a bedrock Republican demand for immediate reductions and easing the threat of a March 4 shutdown of federal programs and services.

No decisions had been made on what size cuts to include in legislation expected on the Senate floor next week, these officials said. In addition, aides are reviewing $24.7 billion worth of proposals President Obama recently made to reduce or eliminate programs beginning in 2012 to see whether any should be accelerated.

One obvious candidate for elimination is an alternative engine for the Pentagon’s next-generation fighter aircraft, a program the White House and Defense Secretary Robert Gates oppose.

The disclosure comes as the two parties maneuver for position in advance of March 4, when funding authority expires for much of the government. Leaders in both parties say they hope no shutdown occurs. Each also accuses the other of seeking one and hopes to avoid political blame if it occurs.

The House passed legislation last week to extend funding authority through the Sept. 30 end of the fiscal year, including $61 billion in spending cuts and a blockade on selected federal regulations on some polluters, large Internet providers and other industries. The bill also blocks the use of federal funds to implement the year-old health care law, a key priority of the 87-member class of first-term Republicans elected last fall with the support of tea party activists.

The debate over spending has grown increasingly tangled in recent days, with lawmakers talking of the possible need for a short-term spending bill of a few weeks in duration that would prevent a shutdown while talks continue on a seven-month measure needed to carry through to the end of the fiscal year ending Sept. 30.

 

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