The White House-2017 Washington RP

[Prolieum]

April 1, 2017

Roosevelt Room

The President did his best to hide his reaction, as his mind spun trying to figure out how to respond to this.

"That's definitely an option we can keep in mind." he settled on.

[Dentali]

April 1, 2017

Roosevelt Room

The President did his best to hide his reaction, as his mind spun trying to figure out how to respond to this.

"That's definitely an option we can keep in mind." he settled on.

"We have discussed the tax plan and healthcare in relation to the budget, with your permission Mr. President lets discuss how much money we will actually need for the next year."

[Prolieum]

April 1, 2017

Roosevelt Room

Cal hesitated a moment, trying to look at the hanging thread just left, and seeking to figure out if it was swaying in the right way or not, but then acquiesced.

"All right. Go ahead."

[Dentali]

April 1, 2017

Roosevelt Room

Cal hesitated a moment, trying to look at the hanging thread just left, and seeking to figure out if it was swaying in the right way or not, but then acquiesced.

"All right. Go ahead."

“Mr President how much money do you think we should be working with in the next year? And which programs are we going to make cuts too?”

[Prolieum]

April 1, 2017

Roosevelt Room

"Getting the results back from that order I issued on our workforce will be important in finding what we can cut there. If we can slim down the workforce everywhere, that's great, and even better if we can trim down the departments while we do it. " Cal looked Denisevich's way.

"For other spending, we need a hard look at what we have in the Departments. I doubt Overstein is going to be much help for findings savings in the VA, even though we really do need them, but hopefully Serrano can prove his worth, there's a lot in Transportation that can get slimmed. For other programs, I'm sure there's a few on the hard right who would support the idea, but I don't plan to gut entitlements. If we can look into a way to integrate what we have, simplify the processes, we can make some savings just from a leaner workforce, plus whatever that saves for logistics. There's a lot of program spending to go over." he stated, catching Boyd's eye. "

"Military, of course we're going to follow through with the funds for rebuilding the fleet. How well we can keep things up with the Army, the Marines, really is going to depend on how well Congress taxes the tax plan. Letting them know that's what's on the line will help make sure everyone is on board." he continued, nodding over towards Buck.

"Healthcare and education, those are the areas that whatever we spend depends on how our reform efforts go. We're still sorting out an Education Secretary and our HHS bailed, but since we've already agreed on setting up those processes more deliberately, we can keep focused on the other three areas."

[Dentali]

April 1, 2017

Roosevelt Room

"Getting the results back from that order I issued on our workforce will be important in finding what we can cut there. If we can slim down the workforce everywhere, that's great, and even better if we can trim down the departments while we do it. " Cal looked Denisevich's way.

"For other spending, we need a hard look at what we have in the Departments. I doubt Overstein is going to be much help for findings savings in the VA, even though we really do need them, but hopefully Serrano can prove his worth, there's a lot in Transportation that can get slimmed. For other programs, I'm sure there's a few on the hard right who would support the idea, but I don't plan to gut entitlements. If we can look into a way to integrate what we have, simplify the processes, we can make some savings just from a leaner workforce, plus whatever that saves for logistics. There's a lot of program spending to go over." he stated, catching Boyd's eye. "

"Military, of course we're going to follow through with the funds for rebuilding the fleet. How well we can keep things up with the Army, the Marines, really is going to depend on how well Congress taxes the tax plan. Letting them know that's what's on the line will help make sure everyone is on board." he continued, nodding over towards Buck.

"Healthcare and education, those are the areas that whatever we spend depends on how our reform efforts go. We're still sorting out an Education Secretary and our HHS bailed, but since we've already agreed on setting up those processes more deliberately, we can keep focused on the other three areas."

“Entitlements are the big money sink” Simon pointed out “reforming them to be more market friendly could save a boatload without sacrificing quality”

[Provisional Niev]

"Entitlement reform is sure to be the toughest nut to crack, but any cost-saving reform might do in this case. We should try to stake out a spending-cut-friendly majority in Congress and give them a great deal of authority here. In terms of what can be done from the White House, Mr. President, I would recommend having someone consult bureaucratic staff in the HHS, Education and Transport departments respectively, possibly energy and state as well. It may look irresponsible, but if it comes from the top, a notice of intentions to drastically lower overall funding will make the current personnel ready to prioritize and prepare them to lay down staff. By giving them a warning, we can make them squeeze themselves dry on their own."

Laura crossed her legs and gave the President a stern face.

"We really can't afford a slow pace, especially if entitlement reform takes time, which it will, assuredly."

[Dentali]

"Entitlement reform is sure to be the toughest nut to crack, but any cost-saving reform might do in this case. We should try to stake out a spending-cut-friendly majority in Congress and give them a great deal of authority here. In terms of what can be done from the White House, Mr. President, I would recommend having someone consult bureaucratic staff in the HHS, Education and Transport departments respectively, possibly energy and state as well. It may look irresponsible, but if it comes from the top, a notice of intentions to drastically lower overall funding will make the current personnel ready to prioritize and prepare them to lay down staff. By giving them a warning, we can make them squeeze themselves dry on their own."

Laura crossed her legs and gave the President a stern face.

"We really can't afford a slow pace, especially if entitlement reform takes time, which it will, assuredly."

Simon pats his file folder regarding cuts he had handed out earlier "As I said these are some cuts we can make that organizations like the Heritage Foundation approve of, backed by officials and experts."

"I am of the opinion that we should avoid layoffs if at all possible, lets continue the hiring freeze and tell our departments to phase out positions when the current holders leave or retire."

"As for timing, we need to move very fast... We are overdue for a budget already and every dime we dont save making these cuts now could cause an ugly floor fight, tear our party apart regarding what to cut and I dont want to take money from good programs if we don't have to."

[Prolieum]

April 1, 2017

Roosevelt Room

Slightly put off by Boyd's expression, Reed turned to Denisevich.

"I didn't expect that advice from you, Simon." he commented curiously. "What's the reasoning behind that, avoiding layoffs?"

[Dentali]

April 1, 2017

Roosevelt Room

Slightly put off by Boyd's expression, Reed turned to Denisevich.

"I didn't expect that advice from you, Simon." he commented curiously. "What's the reasoning behind that, avoiding layoffs?"

"Bad Press" Simon shrugged "Look if we have to do so then we should but if TNS or the left finds some family that loses their only source of income because of a layoff and puts them in front of a camera we have a bad media cycle. Will we have to lay people off? Probably. Should that be the last thing we do? Certainly."

[Prolieum]

April 1, 2017

Roosevelt Room

"I'm not sure that the spin is going to be much different from what we'll have to deal with whenever we make cuts anywhere." Cal theorized. "And I assume you have some experience navigating the backlash. What do you think, Laura?" he asked congenially.

[Provisional Niev]

Her eyes were fixed on the wall between the Chief of Staff and the President, but she looked to the former when she gave her opinion.

"We're looking to cut as much as possible in order to afford the tax cuts that will generate private sector jobs. As long as we can control the narrative and maintain a justifying stance on the austerity ahead, I believe a plurality of the voters will stand with the President. We will desperately need the public approval to come November next year but I believe the voters will only be convinced by positive economic figures and to achieve that for the next fiscal year, this year will require staunch fiscal prudence. We'll look bad to the left whatever we do, so if we can compensate for public sector layoffs with a private sector growth our base should stay with us through the midterms. We'll just have to take demonstrations and media spins from political opponents as they come."

[Dentali]

Her eyes were fixed on the wall between the Chief of Staff and the President, but she looked to the former when she gave her opinion.

"We're looking to cut as much as possible in order to afford the tax cuts that will generate private sector jobs. As long as we can control the narrative and maintain a justifying stance on the austerity ahead, I believe a plurality of the voters will stand with the President. We will desperately need the public approval to come November next year but I believe the voters will only be convinced by positive economic figures and to achieve that for the next fiscal year, this year will require staunch fiscal prudence. We'll look bad to the left whatever we do, so if we can compensate for public sector layoffs with a private sector growth our base should stay with us through the midterms. We'll just have to take demonstrations and media spins from political opponents as they come."

“I’m with you, I’m just saying we need to be prepared. I’m just being the devils advocate here.”

[Prolieum]

April 1, 2017

Roosevelt Room

Cal stroked his chin, considering. "There is the point, in Simon's recommendation here, that federal layoffs are something that we have almost total authority in. It might be best to get the steepest cuts we can out of Congress, and then have that in our back pocket."

[Provisional Niev]

"That is fair. In addition, we don't want to replace taxpayers with unemployment benefit receivers. That is if we have alternatives to start with and a congress to rely on. I hope that is the case."

She raised her eyebrows as she mentioned Congress, and was happy about the President acknowledging the authority he could use.

[Dentali]

"That is fair. In addition, we don't want to replace taxpayers with unemployment benefit receivers. That is if we have alternatives to start with and a congress to rely on. I hope that is the case."

She raised her eyebrows as she mentioned Congress, and was happy about the President acknowledging the authority he could use.

"We also shouldn't suddenly lay of a significant portion of federal employees, it could throw everything into chaos. Additionally not all departments are created equal, some are more wasteful than others and some are more popular than others."

"We also need to discuss military spending, yes we want to expand the military but the DoD isn't exactly the most efficient body. Its worth talking about auditing our military spending."

[Provisional Niev]

"I think giving objectives from the White House for one such audit will give good results, and that new spending should be offered partially in the form of compensatory funds, urging Pentagon to revisit investments in some areas in order to utilize new funds promised."

[Prolieum]

April 1, 2017

Roosevelt Room

Still somewhat surprised at the response he was getting, Cal kept that specific reaction internalized this time around, and instead elected to look into Boyd's comment.

"So, what specifically are you proposing?" he asked the Treasury Secretary.

[Provisional Niev]

"We're not going to get anywhere by proposing or suggesting cuts in military spending, that would just hurt in publicity and in relations to our fellow Republicans. We can, however, give DOD directions to enhance effectivizing measures and discontinue plans to invest in programs that are not seen as a top priority. The Executive fund should as dictated, go to combat operations directed towards ISIS, and I am not the appropriate advisor in terms of what the Defense Department should spend more on. I think you should always advise rethinking if cost-ineffective spending plans are put forward to you Mr. President, however, and rely on national security staff and the joint chiefs alike when it comes to assessing the value of new programs and investments. We're not going to put military spending cuts as any sort of policy of this administration but we should be clear with our own federal agencies that efficiency is."

She couldn't sense if she had the room against her or not, but dovish as she was, she had really gone far from her would-be recommendations of military spending cuts to supporting the administration's policy.

[Prolieum]

April 1, 2017

Roosevelt Room

Cal stole a very quick glance at Havich, almost unnoticeable, before responding, giving a nod to Boyd.

"I think that's about the last piece of our sketch of where we want to be going forward. Anyone have anything else to add?" he asked, looking about the room.

[Dentali]

April 1, 2017

Roosevelt Room

Cal stole a very quick glance at Havich, almost unnoticeable, before responding, giving a nod to Boyd.

"I think that's about the last piece of our sketch of where we want to be going forward. Anyone have anything else to add?" he asked, looking about the room.

"I have something else i'd like to discuss with you Mr. President, but it not something we need Madame Secretary for though I would like to have the Vice President in on the discussion. I have no more financial issues or recommendations at this time."

[Provisional Niev]

She rose and nodded to the Chief of Staff, turning to the President on her way out.

"I'll devote my attention to run the numbers for budget cuts with OMB and my Treasury staff. I'll also reach out to congressional staffers and explore the preliminary conditions for tax reform and await the White House's initiative to form a task force. See you soon, and thank you, Mr. President."

She then left the room through the door towards the Main Hall and made her way to the car waiting for her. She stopped to call her Chief of Staff and asked her about scheduling a meeting with the OMB director.

[Prolieum]

April 1, 2017

Roosevelt Room

The abrupt departure surprised the President, but he supposed it was businesslike, with matters mostly already brought to a close, there was no need to draw things out. He stood up from behind the desk, stretching out his long wingspan up over his head, and glanced over to his Chief of Staff, assuming that what he wishes to discuss was some sort of assessment on Boyd.

[Dentali]

April 1, 2017

Roosevelt Room

The abrupt departure surprised the President, but he supposed it was businesslike, with matters mostly already brought to a close, there was no need to draw things out. He stood up from behind the desk, stretching out his long wingspan up over his head, and glanced over to his Chief of Staff, assuming that what he wishes to discuss was some sort of assessment on Boyd.

"Firstly" Simon says "Boyd is impressive, excellent choice in Secretary Mr President."

Simon looks to the VP and then back to the President "We need to talk about POMA"

[Prolieum]

April 1, 2017

Roosevelt Room

"All right." Cal replied, leaning against the desk. "First, before we start, have you been able to speak with Rossi yet?"