House Democrats, who are trying to pass a long-stalled war funding bill this week, have attached $10 billion to help avoid teacher's union layoffs when schools reopen.
The approximately $70 billion measure is anchored by President Barack Obama's $30 billion request for the troop surge in Afghanistan and contains money for disaster aid accounts, foreign aid and disability benefits for Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange.
The bill's release late Tuesday night was the surest signal yet that House leaders are committed to passing it this week, despite great resistance among many Democratic lawmakers and deepening anxiety over the Afghanistan war effort among Obama allies such as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif.
The difficulty in passing the bill in the House is magnified by disagreement between Republicans supportive of the war — who insist the measure be "clean" of unrelated spending — and Democrats who want funding for the unpopular war to carry unrelated party priorities. Republicans are threatening to withhold support for the overall package if Democratic add-ons are included.
Here is more
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
2 comments:
A little political drama. LEts see who flinches.
As an independent who often has to bash conservatives on this site, I must say that this kind of poltical maneuvering by Dems is what is wrong with the system now. Just fund that damn troops! If the other appropraiations are worth it, let them stand on their own two feet.
Democrats are also using the fight to extend unemployment benefits for political gain. Republicans want to use Stimulus funds (46% are still UNUSED) to pay for it (in accordance with the PAYGO law) Democrats want to borrow MORE MONEY. Democrats are saving the unused stimulus funds to use in the upcoming elections to get re-elected. Driving us and our kids future down the toilet.
Post a Comment