From PRI, Public Radio International and KCRW Santa Monica, this is To the Point.

The Tea Party is underway on Capitol Hill.

Hello again, I'm Orman Alney, and this is To the Point from Public Radio International,

a daily look at the issues Americans care about most.

Republicans have

promised to cut $100 billion out of this year's spending, but despite Tea Party fervor, that's

easier said than done. Last night, veteran centrist helped save legal aid for the poor, assistance

for local police, and homeland security grants for first responders. And with the Senate and President Obama poised

to overrule what they call extremism, this week's exercise is a prelude to a GOP budget for next

year. In the meantime, what about a government shutdown and the debt ceiling? Will Republicans be the

ones to propose cutting Medicare and the Pentagon to reduce the deficit. On reporter's

notebook later on, Democratic senators hiding out in Wisconsin. First, the news. Support for To the

Point comes from subscribers of KCRW Santa Monica and from the Public Radio International Program

Fund, whose contributors include the Ford Foundation and the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur

Foundation. Hello again, Warren Alney. Back with To the Point. Republicans are trying to make good on

the promises that gave them control of the House of Representatives planning action on 600

amendments to this year's budget before taking off for the President's Day weekend. Will the Senate

and the White House allow $100 billion in spending reductions?

Would they make a debt in the deficit?

On reporter's notebook, a showdown over bargaining rights for public employees has brought

the legislature to a grinding halt in Madison, Wisconsin.

First, this news update.

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