Bachmann Stops Short of Endorsing GOP Budget Plan

PELLA, Iowa (AP) — U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann says she supports the principles of a GOP budget plan that cuts federal spending by $5.8 trillion over 10 years. But the potential Republican presidential contender is stopping short of endorsement.

In an interview Monday with The Associated Press, Bachmann says she supports "the aspirational goal of making Medicare and Medicaid sound and secure." But she hasn't read the entire proposal by House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan and declined to address his plan's details.

The Minnesota congresswoman, a tea party favorite, discussed the plan after a speech in Iowa.

Ryan's plan for the budget year that begins Oct. 1 would convert Medicare into a subsidy or voucher system for people under 55. It would also make Medicaid a state-run program financed by federal block grants.