Lawmakers Defend Gingrich Remarks

Lieutenants of House Speaker Newt Gingrich (R-Ga.) defended his remarks that a balanced-budget agreement might have to come before tax cuts, but they promised that Republicans are as determined as ever to eventually reduce taxes. “We are not giving any ground at all,” said House Majority Whip Tom DeLay (R-Texas) on “Fox News Sunday.” Rep. Bill Paxon (R-N.Y.), a staunch Gingrich ally, said the speaker’s comments shouldn’t be interpreted to mean Republicans will compromise on tax cuts. The comments touched off a rebellion in the GOP ranks.