Odessa American in Odessa, Texas

Budget battle only prelude to election year fights

The five month struggle to pass a 1983 budget ends but signals tougher battles ahead over social program cuts and tax increases. Reagan hails the compromise as a hurdle cleared toward lower deficits, yet warns Congress to enact tough spending controls. The plan envisions 6.7 billion in cuts next year and 27.2 billion over three years, plus 20.9 billion in tax increases. Several party lines held firm as the vote passed 54 to 45. Tower supported it, Bentsen opposed.