Debt committee spans the political spectrum

Senate Republicans
John Kyl Arizona Elected 1994 Profile The No. 2 Republican in the Senate and among the partys most influential economic thinkers; a chief negotiator in previous deficit negotiations with the vice president; expected to hold a hard line against new taxes 2008 presidential vote in his state McCain 54% Obama 45% Rob Portman Ohio Elected 2010 Profile A former director of the White House Office of Management and Budget under President George W. Bush, a respected GOP fiscal voice; understanding of budget could make him a bridge-builder; rising star, close to leadership 2008 presidential vote in his state McCain 47% Obama 52% Pat Toomey Pennsylvania Elected 2010 Profile Former president of Club for Growth, a conservative advocacy group, and representative of tea party-aligned GOP senators; expected to hold the line against new taxes and push for spending cuts; appointment a nod to GOPs right flank 2008 presidential vote in his state McCain 44% Obama 55%

A look at the congressional panel made up of six Republicans and six Democrats who will try to produce a deficit reduction plan of at least $1.2 trillion by Nov. 23 in a bid to avoid automatic budget cuts that would go into effect as a result of the recently passed debt ceiling bill. Any plan approved by the panel would need to clear both chambers of Congress and the White House.

Senate Democrats
Co-chair
Max Baucus Montana Elected 1978 Profile Chairman of Finance Committee and central to any potential tax deal; played influential role in past deals on entitlement and health care; close to leadership but independent; on Obamas debt commission but voted against findings 2008 presidential vote in his state McCain 50% Obama 47% John Kerry Massachusetts Elected 1984 Profile Has emerged as respected party statesman and bridge-builder in Senate; known for foreign policy expertise but viewed as possible domestic deal-maker; has spoken out on sparing domestic programs and entitlements from big cuts 2008 presidential vote in his state McCain 36% Obama 62% Patty Murray Washington Elected 1992 Profile No. 4 in Democratic Party leadership, with budget expertise; leader on the Appropriations and the Health, Education, Labor & Pensions committees; strong liberal priorities, but known as practical and a coalitionbuilder in the Senate 2008 presidential vote in her state McCain 41% Obama 58%

House Republicans
Co-chair
Fred Upton Michigan, 6th District Elected 1986 Profile Chairman of the influential Energy and Commerce Committee, with expertise on domestic issues; once seen as a moderate conservative, has moved to the right to match tea party climate; possible deal-maker, but could hold line on new taxes 2008 presidential vote in his district McCain 44% Obama 54% Dave Camp Michigan, 4th District Elected 1990 Profile Chairman of Ways and Means Committee and top GOP tax policy leader; integral to any deal on taxes; close to leadership but independent-minded; as member of presidents bipartisan Fiscal Commission, voted against recommendations 2008 presidential vote in his district McCain 48% Obama 50% Jeb Hensarling Texas, 5th District Elected 2002 Profile Leader of conservative flank in the House; protege of legendary budget leader Phil Gramm of Texas; expected to hold hard line against new taxes, push for spending cuts; member of presidents budget commission, voted against recommendations 2008 presidential vote in his district McCain 63% Obama 36%

House Democrats

Xavier Becerra California, 31st District Elected 1992 Profile First Latino to serve on Ways and Means Committee, emerging expert on tax policy; part of Democratic leadership in the House; expected to oppose steep spending cuts, press for new taxes; on Obamas debt commission, voted against recommendations 2008 presidential vote in his district McCain 18% Obama 80%

James Clyburn South Carolina, 6th District Elected 1992 Profile No. 3 Democrat in the House, with close ties to leadership; served in vice presidents bipartisan deficit-cutting effort earlier this year; expected to hold the line against deep cuts to domestic programs, especially those backed by the liberal flank 2008 presidential vote in his district McCain 35% Obama 64%

Chris Van Hollen Md., 8th District Elected 2002 Profile Top Democratic budget leader in the House, key lieutenant in leadership; negotiated on vice presidents bipartisan deficit-cutting effort; potential deal-maker, expected to push for taxes on wealthy and corporations 2008 presidential vote in his district McCain 25% Obama 74%
MCT 2011

Source: Lisa Mascaro, Chicago Tribune Washington Bureau, Almanac of American Politics, congressional web sites, MCT Photo Service