In the 2010 election cycle alone, the group spent more than $8.

S.government's bond rating remains the same for now and that the S&P analysis also said the American economy is strong, growing and diversified.

Video: Obama's open mic challenge to GOPObama: GOP tried to "sneak" agenda into budgetHouse GOP passes controversial $3.5 trillion budget plan .

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recirc_item:nth-child(5) { display: list-item; } First published on April 18, 2011 / 1:44 PM © 2011 CBS Interactive Inc.All Rights Reserved.

Stephanie Condon Stephanie Condon is a political reporter for CBSNews.

com."His plan calls for significant changes in tax code, including lowering the top income tax rate, as well as dramatically transforming Medicare and Medicaid.

Ryan says it would lower the deficit by about $4 trillion over 10 years.Mr.

Obama in a speech last week released an outline for alternative reforms that reach a similar goal -- $4 trillion in cuts over 12 years.Carney said today that the White House expects leaders in Washington to outperform the S&P's expectations when it comes to finding a deficit reduction solution.

"The president is committed.