CONCORD, N.H. — The Republican presidential candidates are offering different ideas on cutting federal entitlement programs.
Former Republican Sen. Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania says he would trim Social Security benefits for wealthier retirees, as would former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman. Santorum said he would also shift responsibility for Medicaid, food stamp and housing programs to the states.
The Republicans met for a nationally televised debate on NBC's "Meet the Press" today, just hours after a debate on ABC Saturday night. Debate moderator and "Meet the Press" host David Gregory asked candidates to name three areas they would cut that would cause pain for Americans.
Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich said cutting waste and fraud in the Medicare and Medicaid program would save $1 trillion over 10 years.
Texas Gov. Rick Perry drew laughs when he said he would cut three Cabinet departments — and remembered all the names, in contrast to a recent debate in which he couldn't list all three of his recommendations.
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