Six of Wisconsin’s eight U-S House members joined their colleagues yesterday in approving a compromise that averts the nation from an historic financial default.

La Crosse Democrat Ron Kind joined the state’s five Republicans in voting yes – but Kind said a lot more needs to be done to put the nation’s fiscal house in order. Madison Democrat Tammy Baldwin voted no, and Milwaukee Democrat Gwen Moore did not vote – even though she took part in the debate.

The package cuts federal spending by at least $2.1-trillion over the next decade, and it would not raise taxes. Moore said she was wary of cuts in discretionary federal spending that a bi-partisan commission would act on. The panel could not touch Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security. Baldwin said the deficit should be cut by ending wars and tax loopholes that help the rich. But G-O-P budget chairman Paul Ryan of Janesville said both parties are to blame for the nation’s $14-trillion of debt. He called the compromise a “down payment” and a step in the right direction. Ryan also said the discretionary spending caps are something he’s wanted for years. Kind said Congress still needs basic budget reforms – like cutting waste, and investing in economic boosters like job training and high-speed Internet service. Ashland Republican Sean Duffy said the bill starts the process of quote, “living within our means.” But he said the measure doesn’t go far enough.

Wisconsin Senate Republican Ron Johnson says he’ll vote no when the package comes up in his chamber today. The state’s other senator, Democrat Herb Kohl, says he’ll vote yes. He said a federal default would have caused “enormous damage” to all families and businesses.

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