Under the law, the cuts would be based upon 1987 budget levels plus 4.2 percent for inflation.

The budget level itself is not an issue this year.

Although the 3,907-member transit police force has added 162 officers since June, it remains 115 below its approved budget level of 4,022.

"My job is to make sure my team does meaningful work at a variety of budget levels," he said.

But, he said, interior design can still be had on a budget level.

The budget level was variable depending on what actors became involved.

Before Congress set the budget levels, the House last month approved an even larger, $267.3 billion plan.

I also appreciate the realistic and constructive reaction to the need to keep to the budget level, which is necessary to move it forward.

The last budget level obtained during the first reading was a result of this process.

By then all the mechanisms and structures should be in place to make arguments about budget levels much more informed.