The Ellison Report: More Criticism of Debt Deal

"The Ellison Report" is a new feature that offers a look every weekday at coverage of Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN), who represents Fridley in the U.S. House of Representatives. Have you seen an interesting news story or blog post about Ellison that you think should be mentioned? E-mail a link to chris.steller@patch.com.

Earlier this week, we noted Ellison's displeasure with spending cuts within the new deficit-reduction deal. However, the congressman's criticism of the deal doesn't end with cuts.

In a New York Times article, Ellison says he doesn't support the new Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction—a congressional committee created as part of the deal that will recommend major changes in entitlement programs and the tax code.

"The joint committee usurps the legislative function," Ellison said. "I don’t think it’s prudent or smart."

Criticisms of the committee are coming from both parties, a reflection of the divided nature of the vote to raise the nation's debt ceiling and cut spending. The Star Tribune reports that such a divide is evident in Minnesota as well, where Ellison was joined by Democratic Rep. Betty McCollum, and Republican Reps. Michele Bachmann and Chip Cravaack, in voting against the measure.

That doesn't mean there wasn't plenty of partisan bickering, Ellison noted:

"We're being told to make a decision with a gun to our heads."