On debt ceiling, House conservatives counting on leadership promises

At the party’s retreat last week in Williamsburg, Va., Speaker John A. Boehner told a group of five influential conservatives that he would keep top-line spending levels at or below those set under the automatic sequestration cuts; the Ohio Republican also said he would work toward a budget that balances in 10 years. …

Boehner reaffirmed the commitment at the Republican conference meeting Tuesday, telling members that House Budget Chairman Paul D. Ryan’s “goal is to advance a budget that balances within a decade. I applaud that goal, and share it. And as I said at the retreat, the sequester will be in place unless and until we get spending cuts and reforms to replace it, and that start us down a path to balance within the decade.”

Ryan is part of the group of five, which also includes Republican Study Committee Chairman Steve Scalise of Louisiana and former RSC chairmen Tom Price of Georgia, Jeb Hensarling of Texas, and Jim Jordan of Ohio. …

“Those with the influence look me in the eye and say this House will produce a budget that balances in 10 years. And there’s gonna be some tough stuff in there, but it’s telling the truth, it’s reality,” said Rep. David Schweikert, one of four members removed from coveted committee assignments in early December. The Arizona Republican said he was leaning toward voting for the measure.

“This is going to be the ultimate test of the relevancy of those we entrust with those leadership positions. And I believe there’d be hell to pay if they squander this,” Schweikert added.