Not looking good. And Congress and the President not in any rush either, seems. Still looking to me like they are getting their sense of security from:

The stock market doing ok, believing a balanced budget is a good thing, both sides trying to take credit for this year’s drop in the deficit. Recalling the ‘fear mongering’ in front of the last round of tax hikes and sequesters. Recalling markets bounced back after the Aug 2011 debacle, etc. Voters convinced govt should limit spending to what it takes in.

That is, letting the US go cold turkey to a balanced budget is consistent with their ideology and with current political dynamics.

They are maneuvering only to try to make sure that if it works they get the credit and if it fails the opposition gets the blame.

And I hope I’m wrong!!!