Reid tries to force Bush’s hand on Iraq funding

[babylonsister]

Reid tries to force Bush’s hand on Iraq funding
By Manu Raju | Posted: 11/13/07/ 12:45 p.m.
November 13, 2007


Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) said Tuesday that Congress will force President Bush to pay for the Iraq war through the Pentagon’s annual spending measure if Republicans block action this week on a temporary “bridge” fund that calls for a change in war policy.

Reid warned Republicans that Bush would not get $50 billion for interim Iraq war spending if the GOP objects to including a goal to withdraw troops from Iraq by next December.

“If they don’t , it’s not us taking away the bridge fund, it’s them taking away the bridge fund,” Reid told reporters at the unveiling of a Joint Economic Committee report estimating that the cost of the war could exceed $3.5 trillion if the current course of the war continues. The White House dismissed the report.

When asked if Congress would force the Bush administration to move money around in its annual spending measure to pay for the war if the Senate does not reach the 60 votes that will likely be needed for passage, Reid responded, “That’s right.”

Reid’s warning sets up a high-stakes showdown this week over the Iraq war. The House will try to pass an interim bridge fund with a goal for withdrawal as soon as Wednesday, and the Senate is expected to follow suit soon after. But if Republicans require Democrats to win 60 votes for passage, there probably won’t be enough support for the bill to pass the Senate.

That is certain to open up a heated partisan exchange over who is to blame for a potential lack of funds for troops in the field.

more...

http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/reid-tries-to-force-bushs-hand-on-iraq-funding-2007-11-13.html

[Alter Ego]

1. Perhaps you could stick to this one, Mr. Reid?

You know, rather than buckling at the slightest sign of pressure?

[Atman]

2. What, did he threaten to give him a wedgie?

I couldn't get past "Reid tries to force Bush's hand..." before I was laughing too hard to read any further.

.

[LeftCoast]

3. This would be nice

Not holding my breath...but it would be nice.