WASHINGTON (AP) - There's still some work to do before the deal that averted a government shutdown over the weekend can be enacted into law.
It's all being put down on paper in anticipation of a House and Senate vote at midweek.
The House may also vote on a spending plan for next year from Republican Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan. Democrats are preparing to attack that plan as cutting back too much on help for Americans who need it the most.
Meanwhile, on Wednesday, Obama is expected to unveil his plan to reduce the deficit.
Presidential adviser David Plouffe (pluhf) told NBC yesterday that Obama would reveal plans that include reductions in Medicare and Medicaid spending, the government's chief health programs for seniors and the poor. Plouffe says Obama "can't take a machete" to the programs, but cuts will be made carefully.