``It is neither compassionate, conservative nor wise.'' (Spending Bill)

[Roland99]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/worldlatest/story/0,1280,-5422329,00.html

WASHINGTON (AP) - Legislation to fund many of the nation's health, education and social programs went down to a startling defeat in the House Thursday, led by Democrats who said cuts in the bill hurt some of America's neediest people.

The 224-209 vote against the $142.5 billion spending bill disrupted plans by Republican leaders to finish up work on this year's spending bills and cast doubt on whether they would have the votes to pass a major budget-cutting bill also on the day's agenda.

Democrats, unanimous in opposing the legislation, said it included the first cut in education funding in a decade and slashed funds for several health care programs. ``It betrays our nation's values and its future,'' said House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer of Maryland. ``It is neither compassionate, conservative nor wise.''

...

Rep. Barney Frank, D-Mass., said one factor in the bill's defeat was the drop in the president's popularity and his inability to maintain unity among the GOP ranks. He also noted that the Republican Party misses the vote-gathering powers of Rep. Tom DeLay, R-Texas, who has stepped aside as majority leader because of legal problems, replaced by Rep. Roy Blunt, R-Mo. ``Not every blunt instrument is a hammer,'' Frank said, referring to DeLay's nickname of ``The Hammer.''

Darn tootin', Rep. Hoyer!

[TerdlowSmedley]

1. Don't you just love Barney Frank? Isn't he the best?

[JaneQPublic]

2. I need to e-mail my Rep., Steny, and say "Good Job!" (nt)