Gingrich Focuses on Balanced Budget

House Speaker Newt Gingrich ignored persistent questions about ethics violations but said that once the turmoil subsides, his top priority will be to balance the federal budget. “The president is keeping his commitment to moving in that direction,” Gingrich said. “We’re not going to agree with all of his budget, but he’s moving in the right direction, and he’s asking the right questions. I think we will, in fact, make progress this year.” Gingrich said he also thinks the new Congress that convened last week can pass a tax cut.