WASHINGTON — The Obama administration is asking federal agencies to propose ways of cutting their spending in the 2013 budget year by up to 10 percent.
In a letter released Thursday, White House budget chief Jacob Lew asked for fiscal blueprints that would be at least 5 percent below the amounts they are spending this year. He also wants them to present additional proposals that would trim spending by at least 10 percent. The 2013 budget year begins on Oct. 1, 2012.
The letter comes as Obama and congressional Republicans approach what is likely to be a contentious autumn battle over budget issues.
In their debt ceiling deal two weeks ago, the two sides agreed to spending cuts aimed at reducing red ink by more than $2 trillion over the coming decade.
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