Politics

House Passes Controversial Spending Bill

WASHINGTON (AP) — On a bipartisan vote, the House Thursday passed a yearlong government funding measure cutting $38 billion from the budget and closing out sometimes quarrelsome negotiations between the Obama administration and Republicans dominating the House.

The measure passed by a 260-167 vote in which 81 Democrats made up for defections from dozens of GOP conservatives, many elected with tea party backing. The Senate was poised to vote later Thursday and the president has said he’ll sign it into law.

The bill cuts community health programs, grants for state and local police departments, the Environmental Protection Agency and community development grants, a favorite program with mayors of both political parties

Republicans conceded the measure – a product of negotiations between the White House, House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, and Democrats controlling the Senate – was hardly perfect. Its savings are considerably less than the $60 billion-plus in cuts that Republicans muscled through the House in February. But they said it reverses the ever-upward course of spending.

“It stops the bleeding. It halts the spending binge and starts us moving us back in the right direction,” Boehner said. “Does it cut enough? No. Do I wish it cut more? Absolutely.”

The Senate was standing by to complete work on the bill later in the day and send it to Obama for his signature.

Some Republicans have expressed concern since learning that the bill would cut less than $1 billion from this year’s deficit, but Boehner preferred to focus on the long-term implications of the measure – and a vote tomorrow on a 10-year GOP budget blueprint that promises $6.2 trillion in savings below Obama’s February budget.

“If we pass this bill, Washington will spend $315 billion less than it’s currently on track to spend over the next ten years,” Boehner said of Thursday’s vote. “It’s that simple,“ adding that the broader GOP budget is ”the plan that will take us where we truly need to go.”

The long-overdue, shorter-term measure would fund the day-to-day budgets of federal agencies through September. Later in the day, Republicans dominating the House will launch debate on a 2012-and-beyond plan that promises to cut the long-term budget blueprint Obama laid out in February by more than $6 trillion.

The 2011 spending measure produces its $38 billion in cuts to domestic accounts by including almost $18 billion changes to benefit programs, like children’s health care, highway funding and a fund for crime victims. Many of those cuts, however, would have little to no impact on the deficit.

The pact was reached last Friday just hours before a government shutdown. It’s a split-the-differences agreement made after a much more stringent version passed the House in February.

The bill cuts $600 million from community health programs, $414 million from grants for state and local police departments, and $1.6 billion from the Environmental Protection Agency’s budget. Community development block grants, a favorite with mayors of both political parties, take a $950 million cut. And construction and repair projects for federal buildings would absorb an almost $1 billion cut.

High-speed rail grants would be cut back by $2.9 billion, while liberals decried cuts to a program that provides food aid to poor women and their children.

“This bill is nothing more than a tea party checklist targeting programs that help the most vulnerable,” said liberal Rep. Barbara Lee, D-Calif., ticking off cuts to food aid for the poor, grants to local police departments and help for children of inmates. “It’s shameful, a moral disgrace.”

Obama, however, was able to ease cuts to favored programs like medical research, family planning programs and education, while largely ridding the bill of conservative policy initiatives to block last year’s health care law and new environmental regulations.

But the measure would have little direct impact on the deficit through the Sept. 30 end of the fiscal year, according to the Congressional Budget Office, since about $8 billion in immediate domestic program cuts are more than outweighed by increases for the Pentagon and ongoing war costs.

Later Thursday, the GOP-dominated House will kick off debate on its long-term budget plan, a measure promising stiff cuts to domestic agency budgets that total $1.8 trillion over 10 years.

The GOP measure, a non-binding blueprint that sets a theoretical framework for future legislation, would also sharply cut Medicaid and transform it into a block grant program runs by the states. It doesn’t touch Social Security, however, or immediately cut Medicare.

Comments (127)

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  • AllAmericanGirl22
    Posted on April 14, 2011 at 4:14pm

    A good start, but they should have cut way more.

    Report Post » AllAmericanGirl22  
  • bharris0
    Posted on April 14, 2011 at 4:07pm

    Every republican that supported this bill should be voted out of office.

    If they only had a pair, they could refuse to raise the debt ceiling and these budget squabbles would mean nothing. We would stop all deficit spending, immediately.

    Report Post »  
  • TheNEIL
    Posted on April 14, 2011 at 4:07pm

    As it stood, the democrats and liberals did not have to cave at all to any cuts.. they could have let the shutdown go through and blamed it on the republicans as you say, but shutdown would also be played against the democrats as well, it’s a lose-lose. Republicans are lucky to have gotten a single dime of cuts, it was the democrats that caved here and not the republicans as you’d all like to think. Now the shutdown being averted, allows them to put forward more legislation through the house and continue to test the senate, like the above person stated, with some democrats up for re-election will continue to test their will.. and if it gets rejected in the senate, it will hurt the democratic senators up in 2012.

    I’m still shocked Reid won in nevada last year, even more shocked the democratic majority elected to keep him as the senate majority leader. This will likely be their main downfall in 2012.

    It sucks to wait, I know this. But that‘s the reality as long as you got ol’ Bob in the white house waggling his veto finger.

    Report Post »  
  • Ex_Masshole
    Posted on April 14, 2011 at 4:06pm

    Bye Bye, Boehner.

    Report Post » Ex_Masshole  
  • G man
    Posted on April 14, 2011 at 3:58pm

    Should have shut down the government. I can’t believe we allowed this. The deal came down to the Dems saying….”we won‘t fund the troops if you don’t continue to fund planned parenthhood.” And we lost that battle? WTF? None of these guys ever played poker where you stick a card on your forehead. They had a duece on thier noggin…..we had an ace “and folded”! I honestly don’t think we are going to make it. It may be every man for himself time. Or damn close to it.

    Report Post » G man  
  • CturnVA
    Posted on April 14, 2011 at 3:56pm

    The walk of a 1000 miles begins with one step.

    Keep in mind that this is last year’s budget, that ends in Sept. It is only the beginning, I expect more cuts in the 2012 budget.

    Report Post »  
    • Mr. Nice Guy
      Posted on April 14, 2011 at 4:12pm

      Exactly right. And we need to DEMAND more cuts to the 2012 budget

      Report Post » Mr. Nice Guy  
    • neverending
      Posted on April 14, 2011 at 5:18pm

      I agree – not really a whole lot more could be done – is it enough – no way but just move on and make sure the 2012 does the job.

      Report Post »  
  • Mr. Nice Guy
    Posted on April 14, 2011 at 3:54pm

    As others have already said, 38B was not enough and it really was more like 350M. Let’s look for the silver lining.

    Making REAL cuts is going to be difficult to force down the Democrat’s throats. Real cuts are what we need for 2012 budget fight coming up. Let‘s look at this as splashing just a taste of the medicine on the animal’s nose to get it used to the big bottle of medicine about to go down it’s throat.

    Debt ceiling goes up? No real cuts in the 2012 budget? More establishment Republicans replaced.

    Report Post » Mr. Nice Guy  
  • Ronko
    Posted on April 14, 2011 at 3:54pm

    Boehner is a RINO and traitor to the Republican Party. This madness needs to stop right now, him and all the other Republican RINOS need to leave and be voted out now. The McCains, the Grahams, The Boehner’s they need to go. You don’t compromise on principles or your childrens future just to gain Brownie points. The Republicans need new leadership I’ve had it with the compromising we need to cut the budget and if nobody is willing to do it then vote them the Hell out of Congress.

    Report Post »  
  • TheNEIL
    Posted on April 14, 2011 at 3:54pm

    Did any of you really think we could pass any large significant spending cuts at this time with democrat majority in senate and a democrat in the White House threatening to veto anything? Getting them to concede ANY kind of cut at this point is a win for republicans. First thing to do when you have an open wound bleeding out is to put some pressure on it and try to stop the bleeding.

    This, however small it may be is equivaent to placing your hand on the wound and applying pressure, this is just step 1 in a long reformative process.

    The true cuts will begin only once republicans take back the senate and the white house hopefully. Then democrats won’t be able to veto or block cuts. If we ever get the white house back and the majority of the senate and we proceed to make dramatic cuts such as this, prepare for violence and chaos from the left calling the right nazis and that we’re perpetuating the next holocaust on the poor and elderly..

    It’s coming.

    Report Post »  
  • Sinista MACE
    Posted on April 14, 2011 at 3:51pm

    If they won’t shut down the government, we will.

    It needs to be shut down.

    The first thing to do to fix the leaky toilet is shut the damn water off.

    Report Post » V-MAN MACE  
    • SimpleTruths
      Posted on April 14, 2011 at 4:49pm

      And how do you plan on shutting the gov down? Going to mail a letter without a stamp?

      Report Post » SimpleTruths  
  • dc5
    Posted on April 14, 2011 at 3:51pm

    This is a sad day for America! Boehner and the GOP leadership sold out. These people dare afraid how to stand on principle and, as such, don’t belong in leadership positions. Let’s throw them out!

    Report Post »  
  • JohnBirch
    Posted on April 14, 2011 at 3:43pm

    Call all your friends…….
    UN-register as Republican and re-register as Independent. (can be done online)
    This should be a national effort!

    This will be an unofficial vote scheduled by US that the “R”s will undoubtly notice.

    Report Post » JohnBirch  
  • evilconservative76
    Posted on April 14, 2011 at 3:37pm

    I swear, each day I keep hoping and praying that there will be enough members of Congress to have a spine and do what’s right…yet every day too many “conservatives” keep kissing liberal ass. Is this ever going to change? I’m honestly starting to think we may be past the point of no return.

    John Boehner…just resign now. You have already shown me that you are a spineless coward and a typical politician.

    Report Post »  
  • momprayn
    Posted on April 14, 2011 at 3:36pm

    I‘ve listened to all the arguments for and against and I still don’t know. I guess I‘m happy something was passed when the Dems didn’t want to do anything; however, the question is should we have fought for more while we have the wind behind us. Just heard Hannity & also Rush saying the truth has come out about the “real cuts” amount – I think about $350 MILLION, after you really consider everything. I’ve also been hearing the old elites are against the Tea Partiers & are trying to keep them under their “control”….and even this debt ceiling deal is not as important to them as the newbies & that they’ll really not try that hard — saying all that matters is the 2012 election. So we wait and see….we might need to push for another Speaker – like Bachmann.

    Report Post »  
  • JJCon
    Posted on April 14, 2011 at 3:36pm

    I’m this (holds fingers closely together) to personally running against my Republican rep. over this and his support for Boehner.

    Report Post »  
  • Hoosier4Liberty
    Posted on April 14, 2011 at 3:33pm

    IMO, Obama flipped Paul Ryan, Boehner and the Republican House the political bird yesterday. Hopefully they won’t be so “bipartisan” next time to the table. Spending originates in the House. Obama has nothing the Republicans don’t give him.

    Report Post » Hoosier4Liberty  
  • Jediusetheforce
    Posted on April 14, 2011 at 3:32pm

    The Republicans have the majority in the House and this happens. Its cuts 38 billion for one year. They are truly ADDICTS. Back to Step 1 boys and girls.

    Report Post »  
  • GTurner
    Posted on April 14, 2011 at 3:31pm

    If my rep voted “yes”, he’s got a PR problem.

    Report Post » Liberty not Lisence  
  • cruzinbill
    Posted on April 14, 2011 at 3:31pm

    Great lob congress now you can take your heads out of Obummers & the rest dummycrats back side.

    Report Post »  
  • trolltrainer
    Posted on April 14, 2011 at 3:29pm

    Whatever…I am glad it passed though it is meaningless. Now is not the time…Our time is coming…

    Report Post »  
    • and to the republic
      Posted on April 14, 2011 at 4:01pm

      @Troll: Explain “our time is coming” in 10 seconds. Cause it appears the majority of the posters here so far do not see it that way. I’m with you, but man we are the minority on this one. I’m surprised I havent been called a commie pig yet….

      Report Post »  
    • trolltrainer
      Posted on April 14, 2011 at 4:12pm

      That is because the majority of the posters in here do not really understand the process. They are good people, I want the same things they want, but they are somehow under the impression that the Republicans can now stand up to this administration because they have the majority in the house. I also do not think they fully understand the ramifications of a government shutdown…Or what would happen if we did not raise the debt ceiling for that matter. The Republicans would lose the moderate and independent vote we will need in 2012.

      Listen, the tea party is a great thing. They have a voice and they have rattled Washington. But if anyone thinks 2010 was a tea party victory they need to look again. It was the moderate and independent vote that made it happen. The fact that the tea party lost 3 senate seats they should have easily picked up scared me. The unions have much more influence than I thought. There are also a great many stupid people out there that listen to MSNBC and all the liberal idiots. Add to that the black vote and 2012 is not going to be the easy win many here think.

      Now is simply not the time for this showdown.

      Report Post »  
    • Socco
      Posted on April 14, 2011 at 4:14pm

      None of this really matters to TrollTrainer, since he believes in being “raptured out” before the tribulations. I would really like to believe this too, but have thus far been unable to find chapter and verse to confirm it…

      Report Post » Socco  
    • trolltrainer
      Posted on April 14, 2011 at 4:32pm

      Socco,

      What does rapture have to do with this conversation? But to answer you, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 is where we get the term “rapture” which is Latin for “caught up.” There is also 1 Corinthians 15:50-58 and though it is not as clear, John 14:1-3. Of course people like you who do not choose to see the rapture will attribute these verses to something else, probably the final judgment. That is okay with me, the truth is you can derive many eschatological views from Scripture and they can all be equally supported. Only a fool would insist his view is the “truth” while dismissing everyone else.

      I feel a dispensational view is the one that clearly explains Scripture as a whole, from Yahweh’s unfulfilled promises to Israel in the OT to making sense out of the Book of Revelation in the new. This is the church age, Israel’s fulfillment will be during the millennial kingdom. It only makes sense that the church would be removed during this time, in fact, it really is the only thing that makes sense. How else do you explain the marriage ceremony of the Lamb?

      Of course I will not win you over, and I am good with that. Why are you so intent on making fun of my beliefs? Are you a Christian? Because not only is that most unchristian behavior, it is also uneducated. Any Christian scholar will tell you that eschatology is just not cut and dried.

      Anyway, I hope that satisfies you, though I still do not see what that has to do with the budget bill…

      Report Post »  
    • and to the republic
      Posted on April 14, 2011 at 4:36pm

      @ Troll: There ya go again. You and your common sense. You will get nowhere in life using common sense vs. your emotions….Come on Troll, fly off the handle, grab a pitch fork, cling to a gun…..Common sense, give me a break…. BTW, thanks for being at least one voice of reason….

      Report Post »  
    • BetterDays
      Posted on April 14, 2011 at 4:54pm

      @and to the republic
      commie pig yet! There now do you feel better? J/k

      Report Post »  
    • CatB
      Posted on April 14, 2011 at 4:58pm

      @TROLL

      All spending comes from the HOUSE … R’s are the majority in the HOUSE .. time they STARTED ACTING LIKE IT!

      Report Post »  
    • trolltrainer
      Posted on April 14, 2011 at 5:08pm

      CatB:

      I responded to that very same comment in a post that was removed. You can see my answer at the end of the thread on page 2, second to last post (it will keep dropping as others post…It will remain second to last post in this article). Anyway here is part of my response to the comment that “spending bills originate in the House”:

      ““originates” being the key word here. It is a moot point. The Republicans control nothing! Nothing is going to get done while Obama is President, even if we did control the Senate. The only hope would be to override a veto and Republicans cannot come close. ”

      Can you not understand that shutting down the government would only harm the Republicans? It sounds good, and it has happened before, and truth be told, I would not mind seeing it happen…But the libs would cause all kind of damage with it. Government is about compromise and the left did compromise on this…Though we all know it is nothing but kabuki theater…

      Listen, I am on your side, really I am…It is just not the time. 2012 is the answer if we can control both legislative and executive branches. Then we can use the chainsaw instead of the scalpel. The goal NOW is to win in 2012. We cannot afford to screw that up over a piddly few billion.

      Report Post »  
    • kryptonite
      Posted on April 14, 2011 at 5:12pm

      Trolltrainer: That is because the majority of the posters in here do not really understand the process. They are good people, I want the same things they want, but they are somehow under the impression that the Republicans can now stand up to this administration because they have the majority in the house
      ——
      Trolltrainer,
      It’s not just us simpletons who are upset; conservative economists are too. You have a better grasp than most, so please explain to me, if Repubs cannot stand up to this administration, why did Obama even bother to sit down at the negotiating table with them?

      True, we only have the House, but if the shoe were on the other foot, don’t you think the Dims and Pelosi would be giving us hell by now? Politics is a chess game, and these wussy Repubs don’t know how it is played. What’s worse, Obama and his gang of commie thieves know that all they have to do is THREATEN THE COUNTRY WITH A SHUTDOWN as per usual, and Repubs will cave in. If you want to continue to give in to the radical left’s intimidation tactics, I think you are the one who is in dire need of a dope slap.

      Report Post »  
    • trolltrainer
      Posted on April 14, 2011 at 5:25pm

      Kryptonite,

      Because we do hold some power. The dems cannot afford a shutdown. No one has a crystal ball, who would get the blame, Obama or the Republicans? The truth is this bill amounts to nothing. Neither side gave much up, other than publicity.

      You said a most astute thing; politics IS a chess game. It is the freshmen tea party reps that do not know how to play. It is the general public. It has ALWAYS been you scratch my back and I will scratch yours. Old timers provided cover so freshmen could vote no. It is a game of compromise and the truth is Boehner got what he could.

      Boehner is not going to force their hand on this. If you think this one is bad, wait till the debt ceiling showdown. I do hope they vote no on that, but I seriously doubt it will happen.

      Report Post »  
    • and to the republic
      Posted on April 14, 2011 at 5:35pm

      @ betterday: Thankyou, you made my day….Kinda surprised the few on here not feeling totally betrayed have not gotten jumped yet. Most of us seem to be on the same side but if you disagree, expect to get jumped. Maybe we are becoming a little more civilized…

      Report Post »  
    • kryptonite
      Posted on April 14, 2011 at 6:30pm

      It has ALWAYS been you scratch my back and I will scratch yours.
      ————–
      NO, Trolltrainer, the radical Dims have never scratched our back! That’s where you are wrong. That’s where independents were and maybe continue to be wrong. We have a different contender. Obama is not Bill Clinton.

      For starters, why haven’t Repubs aggressively exposed the Obamalies? That Traitor whips Bush . Now, according to their new narrative (chess move) it will take a DECADE to fix the Bush mess. Why don’t the Repubs counter by exposing the intimidation tactics those slimeballs have been using since they took over? Independents will listen if they hear a case. But all Boehner does is cry and throw a few light punches.

      TROLLTRAINER: “It has ALWAYS been you scratch my back and I will scratch yours.”
      ————–
      NO, Trolltrainer, the radical Dims have never scratched our back! That’s where you are completely wrong, and why America is still being checkmated by this administration. We have a different opponent. Obama is not Bill Clinton.

      For starters, why haven’t Repubs aggressively exposed the Obamalies? By contrast, that commie whips Bush like a shameless slave owner every chance he gets. According to their new narrative (chess move) it will now take a DECADE to fix the Bush mess. Why do Repubs recoil from exposing the intimidation tactics those slimeballs employ? But all Boehner does is cry and throw a few light punches. Waiting until 2012 is not an option. We are at that proverbial crossroads in the history of our Republic where Vukovic’s *Art of Attack in Chess* should define our wartime strategy:

      ==> “[Vukovic] is not interested in the accumulation of small advantages and then seeking a win in the end game. There is nothing wrong with this approach, but if you are going to improve your game, you must learn how to attack, if for no other reason than to be able to defend against one.” http://www.chessville.com/reviews/reviews_artofattack.htm

      Report Post »  
    • kryptonite
      Posted on April 14, 2011 at 6:48pm

      Darn, I did it again. I will always be lousy at editing. I apologize for double posting. Meant to post the last version only. :)

      Report Post »  
    • Socco
      Posted on April 14, 2011 at 8:58pm

      “Only a fool would insist his view is the “truth” while dismissing everyone else. ”

      Exactly. Thanks for answering my question this time. Are you a Christian? It doesn’t seem very Christian to ignore a request for chapter and verse to back-up something that seems not to be supported by scripture.

      There is just one problem with the reference;

      1Th 4:15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.

      1Th 4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

      1Th 4:17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

      The problem with pre-tribulation rapture, is it is plainly not supported. If something is not easy enough for a child to understand, then it isn’t of the Lord. One does not need to read between the lines, with the Word.

      The Lord returns after the tribulations. After the two witnesses lay dead in the streets of Jerusalem for 3 days. Probably around a christmas time, because everybody is giving each other gifts after the two witnesses are killed…but thats another discussion.

      When he descends with a shout, the dead shall rise first, THEN we shall be caught-up. My main concern is that those of you who dismiss out of hand any understanding contrary to what you believe, will fall by the wayside because of lack of contextual understanding.

      1Co 15:51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,

      1Co 15:52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

      1Co 15:53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.

      Again, after the sound of the trumpet and the Lord descends…This takes place at the end of the Great Tribulations, after the Two Witnesses are killed. They rise first, because they are dead, then we will be caught-up.

      Joh 14:1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.

      Joh 14:2 In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

      Joh 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

      Unless you have the Seal of God and are of the 144,000, or die before or during it, you will feel the full effects of the Tribulation. But even the 144,000 will not be caught-up until our Lords return.

      The reason that I asked you this question here, is because you didn’t answer it in another post. Thank you for the response, and to answer your question, no, I am not a Christian. I am a Messianic Jew, and you are my Brother.

      Report Post » Socco  
    • trolltrainer
      Posted on April 14, 2011 at 9:29pm

      Socco:

      “The reason that I asked you this question here, is because you didn’t answer it in another post. Thank you for the response, and to answer your question, no, I am not a Christian. I am a Messianic Jew, and you are my Brother.”

      ————————————–

      I am sorry, I did not see your question in another post. Could it be possible that you posted it some time after the article was put up and I just did not come back to it? I generally move on fairly quickly, at best I only stick around for half a day. This will likely be my last time on this one. Maybe you will not be back either, it is rather late.

      In any case, I am not going to argue it with you as it would be pointless. There are a whole lot of people who believe as I do and the dispensational view is the best literal interpretation of Scripture.

      One thing you do say though is if it is not crystal clear it is not of the Lord:

      “If something is not easy enough for a child to understand, then it isn’t of the Lord. One does not need to read between the lines, with the Word.”

      Really? So you have about 20 verses that are clear enough that there can be no mistake. Everything else in the Bible is trash? I do not even know where to begin with this thought! Sovereignty versus free will, millennial view, baptism…sheesh, you have to read between the lines with about everything!

      You said when Christ returns is when we will be caught up. Why would we be caught up? Caught up to where, Christ is now here! Lol…But do you think your understanding of this is going to effect your salvation anyway? Where does it say that, all I know is that we believe on Jesus Christ and are saved.

      The 144,000 are Jews. The church does not take the place of Israel, the two are quite separate. Read Acts 15:13-18 where James references Amos 9:11. What do you do with all the unfulfilled prophecy from the OT? Look at the land promise in the Abrahamic Covenant in Genesis 15:18. Look at Ezekiel chapters 40-48. There will be a Temple and animal sacrifice in the Millennial Kingdom, how do you explain that in light of Christ? Do you try and spiritulize that prophecy? Go look at the detail. Was Ezekiel wrong? Why did God give him that prophecy? Is God a liar? Lol…The only solution is it is speaking to Israel, not the church…

      Anyway, I digress and I did say I was not going to argue it out. I am glad to see you believe in Christ! God bless you my brother.

      Report Post »  
  • True American66
    Posted on April 14, 2011 at 3:29pm

    God help us if the Tea Parry members can’t get the business-as-usual Republicans to hold the line on the coming budget fight…..cause no one else will. In some respects, I guess they did all they could considering the Senate is controlled by Reid and the..well we know what’s in the White House!

    Report Post »  
    • JP4JOY
      Posted on April 14, 2011 at 3:45pm

      A process to end all budget deficits.

      First of all the 27th Amendment would have to be repealed.

      Next pass an Amendment through the Popular Vote Amendment Process (never before used rarely referred to).

      The Amendment would cut ALL pensions for ALL Government Employees if the budget is not balanced. The first monies to be attached in case of a deficit would be all campaign funds. This would instantly level the economic playing field for new candidates seeking to replace the incompetent legislators.

      This would inspire ALL agencies city, county, state and federal to insure the budgets for their departments and their efficiency would operate at their highest levels.

      There also needs to be the restriction that TOTAL TAXES may not exceed 50% of income. That would make it so that high income earners who live in expensive locals paying high local/state taxes would pay less in federal taxes by percentage but probably still more in total dollars to fed.

      Give the current legislators 3 years to get their economic houses in order and give an additional 10 years after that for paying off ALL DEBTS accrued to date.

      At the 3 year date any budget shortfalls would cause the loss of their campaign funds and any pension contributions/pay increases. At the 10 year date ALL pensions would be at risk. From the 10th year forward all budgets would be and remain in balance or penalties would be enforced.

      This would be the greatest productivity increase in government ever seen in the history of man as ALL government employees would look for fraud and waste because they would all have “skin in the game”

      Report Post » JP4JOY  
  • MODEL82A1
    Posted on April 14, 2011 at 3:26pm

    Of course it did. How’s that 2010 Mid Term “shellacking” of the Democrats and RINO Republicans working out for us so far?

    Report Post » MODEL82A1  
    • trolltrainer
      Posted on April 14, 2011 at 3:34pm

      That is the whole point, it was no shellacking. At least in the federal government. Reid is still majority leader, the dems still control the Senate. The only other alternative here would have been a government shutdown and while it is easy to say just do it, it really would not benefit anyone and would only cause Republicans to lose support.

      Our hands are tied at this point, Boehner did good to get what he got out of them. Our time is coming.

      Report Post »  
    • and to the republic
      Posted on April 14, 2011 at 3:58pm

      @ Troll….stop talking common sense here…The last thing these people want to hear is common sense. It is all or nothing. They must have everything now…. A Govt. shutdown would have killed the Republicans, but that is only common sense, and we don’t want to hear that…..

      Report Post »  
    • JJCon
      Posted on April 14, 2011 at 3:58pm

      You don’t thinking looking weak will hurt Republicans? You don’t think reaffirming the wildly held belief that there is no difference between the parties kills moral?

      The Republicans are not powerless in the Senate. The Dems control the Senate with only 51 members +2, which isn’t enough to block a filibuster. With 23 of those senators up for re-election, you don’t think 3 of them might break ranks if push was ever actually allowed to come to shove?

      This isn’t the first time Boehner and Republican leadership has sold us short. They did the exact same thing over the Bush Tax Cuts, giving the exact same brain dead excuse that this was the best deal they could get.

      Report Post »  
    • MODEL82A1
      Posted on April 14, 2011 at 3:45pm

      It was a shellacking in the House of Representatives. Just to refresh your Constitutional knowledge, ALL FEDERAL SPENDING originates in the House of Representatives. The “Republicans” control the purse strings (period). And this is what they chose do with them…

      Report Post » MODEL82A1  
    • trolltrainer
      Posted on April 14, 2011 at 3:58pm

      “originates” being the key word here. It is a moot point. The Republicans control nothing! Nothing is going to get done while Obama is President, even if we did control the Senate. The only hope would be to override a veto and Republicans cannot come close.

      The only option we have at this point is to compromise where we can and block where we cant.

      I understand the feeling of betrayal, but it is not realistic. I am for a shutdown, but in the end that would only be ammo the left would use against us in the upcoming election. It would also serve no point. At least this way we flexed our muscles a bit and put the brakes on Obama’s mad spending. Will it matter? Nope. It will not matter for either side.

      Listen, by all means, take names. If you feel your representative let you down then vote him out next go-round. I feel no loyalty to crybaby Boehner, he is a stand up guy but he is also part of the Washington crowd. He has no backbone. I am just saying that in this case I do not think he could have done any different.

      Report Post »  
  • hauschild
    Posted on April 14, 2011 at 3:25pm

    A complete joke.

    Report Post »  
  • fixer
    Posted on April 14, 2011 at 3:24pm

    It cut’s 38 billion? WHOOPIE…

    Report Post »  
    • Mary M. Tebbe
      Posted on April 14, 2011 at 3:38pm

      fixer: Not enough. Republicans showing weakness. Should have stood their ground. In reading Ronald Reagan‘s autobiography he said that democrats don’t take no for an answer and refuse to back down. That’s exactly what happened. Republicans need to show strength and courage and get a backbone. Fight fire with fire…don’t back down, EVER. Give those democrats a bit of their own medicine.

      Report Post » Mary M. Tebbe  
    • CatB
      Posted on April 14, 2011 at 3:41pm

      http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2011/roll268.xml

      THE LIST!

      Report Post »  
    • Blackhawk1
      Posted on April 14, 2011 at 4:11pm

      Here is the headline from The Washington Post. CBO: Budget deal cuts this fiscal year’s deficit by just $352 million, not $38 billion touted

      We have been sold out by the RINOS

      Report Post » Blackhawk1  
    • SimpleTruths
      Posted on April 14, 2011 at 4:45pm

      @MARY M. TEBBE
      Ha! You’re quoting Reagan for inspiration? The guy who triple the size of the federal government, doubled the federal deficit, threw billions down the toilet on ‘star wars’?
      Your Tea Powered ship is sinking folks, the joke is over.

      Report Post » SimpleTruths  
    • SpeckChaser
      Posted on April 14, 2011 at 6:12pm

      @SimpleTruths

      “First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win.”

      You will see soon.

      Report Post » SpeckChaser  
    • Suchy
      Posted on April 14, 2011 at 6:24pm

      CBO says less than 352M is all that happened. Long way from 38 Billion.

      Report Post » Suchy  
    • GODSAMERICA
      Posted on April 15, 2011 at 12:00am

      Fixer, actually no not 38 billion after all the “under the table double dealing” between demoncrats and RINO’S the ACTUAL debt reduction part of it is around the 300 – 400 MILLION dollar range.

      Report Post » GODSAMERICA  
  • VanGrungy
    Posted on April 14, 2011 at 3:23pm

    betrayal

    Report Post » VanGrungy  
    • lovenfl3
      Posted on April 14, 2011 at 3:30pm

      How dissapointing. Sounds like a number of Republicans will also be replaced in the 2012 elections. This is a joke. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68uzsXdMLS4

      Report Post » lovenfl3  
    • and to the republic
      Posted on April 14, 2011 at 3:31pm

      oh come on. We got to start somewhere. Why do we continually hammer our side? I know they deserve it here and there but at least the bleeding has stopped. There are some good things in this and now we can move on. The longer this went on the worse the Right was going to look.

      Report Post »  
    • CatB
      Posted on April 14, 2011 at 3:32pm

      When we get the list of R’s … we will know who to throw out with the D’s in 2012!

      Report Post »  
    • SavingtheRepublic.com
      Posted on April 14, 2011 at 3:39pm

      Betrayal! You’re on to them as most of us. They clearly didnt get the msg Nov 2 ‘10, we need to remind these ppl they are on probation until the next election. $38billion is a drop of water in the ocean of debt. These ppl do not comprehend what they are doing is only enraging the ppl of this nation.

      We will see more of these empty acts by the elite class of the US. Nothing is ever going to change for real, unlike the empty promises, until ALL of these ppl are removed from office. I cannot say it enough. You wanna vote rep fine vote rep, you wanna vote dem go right ahead just DONT re-elect the same rep or dem into office. Vote for the new guy or gal. This junk is never going to end, and this Pres is going to continue to spend YOUR MONEY. Money he is going to get from taxing you some more! Take a dollar out of your pocket/purse whatever and tear it in half; that half maybe all you are left with after taxes. These ppl do not understand its OUR money not theirs to spend!

      Tell DC to STOP with the entitlement programs, STOP the spending.

      Report Post » SavingtheRepublic.com  
    • CatB
      Posted on April 14, 2011 at 3:40pm

      http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2011/roll268.xml

      R’s in Roman
      D’s in italics

      Report Post »  
    • Love Bandit Bestid
      Posted on April 14, 2011 at 3:41pm

      They screwed us, and Boehner is one of them.
      Bestid.

      Report Post » Iman Barak Hussein  
    • sleazyhippo
      Posted on April 14, 2011 at 3:43pm

      Doom and Despair! On a 260-167 vote, lawmakers support funding plan to avert government shutdown, and to “reduce agency budgets by more than $38B for the second half of the year.“ Praise the patriots who refused to ”go along” just to keep the Government Open, for they shall inherit the next House.

      Now it is time for the Senate save us – Mitch will filibuster this (just like he did in October 2010) and SHUT the derned GUMMINT DOWN! Go Mitch, Go!

      Report Post » MONICNE  
    • von der Recht
      Posted on April 14, 2011 at 3:45pm

      Right…this was disappointing. We will have to wait to see what happens with the “Debt Limit” to see if this is a trend. Ifso….Katie bar the door.

      Report Post »  
    • JohnBirch
      Posted on April 14, 2011 at 3:47pm

      Call all your friends…….
      UN-register as Republican and re-register as Independent. (can be done online)
      This should be a national effort!

      This will be an unofficial vote scheduled by US that the “R”s will undoubtly notice.

      JohnBirch  
    • showmerancher
      Posted on April 14, 2011 at 3:47pm

      Absolute betrayal.

      Replace them all. They didn’t learn, and their only change was to morph into Democrats. I’d rather have the devil I know, than the one that will sell me out… so I don’t care if they are replaced with Democrats. We’re going down either way.

      Republicans will also pass the debt ceiling increase without hesitation due to arm twisting by Wall Street so that they can get theirs before the whole thing goes down. We’ve increased the debt ceiling 74 times, each time with Congress promising to control spending once it is passed “just this time”. Do you know what they say about people that do the same thing over and over and expect the same result?

      If you believe “this time for sure”, you’ve been watching too much Rocky and Bullwinkle.

      We talk about the Democratic sheep. Republicans should take a close look in the mirror. They are just sheep in wolf’s clothing. Talk a good story, yada, yada, yada.

      Report Post »  
    • BetterDays
      Posted on April 14, 2011 at 3:48pm

      Well I guess that means we need to speak to them again in 2012.
      Ok, here’s the plan.
      Write emails, letters, he// fly kites to Chris Christie in Jersey tell him that his nation needs him NOW. Tell him to trust GOD for the wisdom and strength he thinks he doesn’t already have to get the job done. We the soldiers need Washington, even if he hurling in the back of the boat in fears crossing the Delaware he’ll still lead us when he hits the beach.
      Get Ryan on board as VP, same email campaign, if not him Allen West might actually be better.
      Herman Cain shall be Secretary of State, and Donald can be a financial advisor. Ron Paul to head up the new office of Congressional Bank of America.
      Let’s get busy…I am already on it, come on!

      Report Post »  
    • kryptonite
      Posted on April 14, 2011 at 3:52pm

      “Obama was able to ease cuts to favored programs… while largely ridding the bill of conservative policy initiatives to block last year’s health care law and new environmental regulations.”
      —————
      So now you know why the Commie-in-Chief went along with this farce.

      Report Post »  
    • and to the republic
      Posted on April 14, 2011 at 3:54pm

      @ EVERYONE that feels betrayed: I appreciate all of your enthusiam for this but I really think it best that it was passed, and we move on. You honestly think BIG CHANGES are not coming under this House? You honestly think Boehner and all sit back and rest? I certainly don’t love what I see but there are things to like and it is in the right direction….

      Report Post »  
    • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
      Posted on April 14, 2011 at 3:57pm

      Ultimately only a few million is actually cut away based on commentary I have seen and studied.

      However some 50 or so of the Republicans HAVE taken a stand, voted against it, and hopefully will keep a even keel on doing what is RIGHT and not what is EXPEDIENT.

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • Kasman
      Posted on April 14, 2011 at 3:57pm

      @and to the republic

      Well they did manage to put one of those small, rainbow colored, pinky band-aids on the .50cal gun-shot wound to the chest……. No, I’m not “hammering” them, just saying they didn’t do the job they were elected to do, nor did they even factually “cut” the spastic-soetoro-spending-binge…

      Report Post » Kasman  
    • BIGJAYINPA
      Posted on April 14, 2011 at 3:57pm

      And down the river we go, sold out by those RINOs that desperatly wish to hold on to their power and perks. I really don’t care that you ar selling me out, you are only doingwhat politicians do, it would be like getting mad at a dog that craps on my lawn. But what I really hate is when you smile and tell me lies to my face, especially stupid lies. That tells me you think I’m stupid enough to belive them. If I was that stupid I would be a liberal-progressive. If we survive until 2012 you will feel our wrath. If the situation turns to crap sooner, you will feel our wrath sooner. Their may be a lightpole with your name on it.

      Report Post » BIGJAYINPA  
    • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
      Posted on April 14, 2011 at 3:58pm

      For those who voted against the spending bill, the Rep’s of the Tea Party and stay true to their own convictions of doing as they promised, and what is right, keep up the work.

      For the rest, 2012 is just around the corner and the people will never forget.

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • UpstateNYConservative
      Posted on April 14, 2011 at 4:09pm

      I wonder how many loopholes there are so those ‘cuts’ actually become increases.

      Report Post » UpstateNYConservative  
    • kryptonite
      Posted on April 14, 2011 at 4:12pm

      AND TO THE REPUBLIC: “You honestly think BIG CHANGES are not coming under this House?”
      ———————
      I honestly think if Obamacare is not blocked, BIG CHANGES are not coming under this House. Stop deluding yourself.

      Report Post »  
    • mill
      Posted on April 14, 2011 at 4:12pm

      Well, we had to start somewhere…only problem with Republicans…this is as far as it will go…

      Seriously, Republicans are weak kneed in the face of any opposition. obama has them kowtowed with his remarks, press releases etc. Obama was insulting to Ryan on public TV…with no response actually..he put the man on the front row to embarrass him and cut republicans down to “size”…I don’t expect words right then, but later, and action to blow Obama out of the water and show the man child he is not the boss, we are .

      Report Post »  
    • CatB
      Posted on April 14, 2011 at 4:21pm

      Contact “leadership”

      http://www.speaker.gov/Contact/

      Report Post »  
    • SLEAZYHIPPOs ILLEGITIMATE OFFSPRING
      Posted on April 14, 2011 at 4:21pm

      Please make em support us momma !!!!!

      Report Post » SLEAZYHIPPOs ILLEGITIMATE OFFSPRING  
    • sleazyhippo
      Posted on April 14, 2011 at 4:37pm

      Of course, my cute little Bass Terd! Come Closer …Now, time for your spanking and then we’ll take your temperature! Pants on the ground! Lookin like a Fool!

      Report Post » MONICNE  
    • SLEAZYHIPPOs ILLEGITIMATE OFFSPRING
      Posted on April 14, 2011 at 4:44pm

      But momma I thought you were all about love and equality. You don’t love me like all your other illegitimate offspring. I wanna go live with dad, he is conservative !!!!!

      Report Post » SLEAZYHIPPOs ILLEGITIMATE OFFSPRING  
    • ENCIINOM
      Posted on April 14, 2011 at 5:50pm

      Republicans really do want people to die. I herd once a republican came and stole an old ladys pantry of food cause she couldnt drive couldnt afford a phone. So they were gonna starve her to death

      Report Post »  
    • WakeUpAmerica1776
      Posted on April 14, 2011 at 6:01pm

      I agree. For those who think it was a good idea, on the surface, I felt similar.

      But if the bill “cuts” spending by 1 Billion this year, it does NOT cut 38 Billion. Why? Because next year, they will vote on another budget. Congress is NOT obligated in future years by the budget! The best thing we can do is vote for a Balanced budget Amendment right away and not raise the debt ceiling. This will force cuts to be made. I am so tired of Republican and Democratic shell games. It’s great that Ryan has a plan… its a good start, but without any teeth… what prevents politicians 3 congresses from now from tossing it out? Nothing… Its a shell game.

      Report Post » WakeUpAmerica1776  
    • J Z S
      Posted on April 14, 2011 at 6:08pm

      Is it not enough that Republicans already want to take food away from the elderly, the sick, and the poor? Now they have to come after their dogfood as well?

      Report Post »  
    • Suchy
      Posted on April 14, 2011 at 6:20pm

      Sorry one more try.

      Report Post » Suchy  
    • AKMIIKEUS IS MY COUSIN AND MY SPOUSE
      Posted on April 14, 2011 at 6:27pm

      Sweetie I think your thinkin’ of our family reunion/wedding…..Good post though.

      Report Post » SLEAZYHIPPOs ILLEGITIMATE OFFSPRING  
    • sleazyhippo
      Posted on April 14, 2011 at 7:02pm

      Oh Child, my little con-server boy! Thanks for coming to the wallow and licking off my mud flaps so thoroughly just like you practiced in pre-mud school. You have precocious skills. You will probably be an assistant to a Big Old GOP elephant, maybe your Governor Christie. If you keep that nose brown and sweet, that is.

      Report Post » MONICNE  
    • SLEAZYHIPPOs ILLEGITIMATE OFFSPRING
      Posted on April 14, 2011 at 7:50pm

      Momma, I always wondered why you licked my nose clean and sniffed my butt…..Now I know why. You want the best for me and don’t want me to grow up liberal like you……Momma I don‘t care how many people make fun of you for being big and fat and round with little stubby legs I love ya and I think other people should support us cause you have a hard time workin’ all day with that extra load your carryin’. ppsssst…..you may want to shave that mustache…love ya momma

      Report Post » SLEAZYHIPPOs ILLEGITIMATE OFFSPRING  
    • jzs
      Posted on April 14, 2011 at 10:06pm

      J Z S
      Posted on April 14, 2011 at 6:08pm
      Is it not enough that Republicans already want to take food away from the elderly, the sick, and the poor? Now they have to come after their dogfood as well?

      Again, not my post. Look for the spaces in my username, which is is JZS.

      Report Post » jzs  
    • GODSAMERICA
      Posted on April 14, 2011 at 11:51pm

      WARNING TO ALL RINO’S AND DEMONCRATS – This is one more thing that we WILL be paying attention to in regards to how you voted on this as well other votes that you make. You have passed the line that should have not been passed and brought our ire out. We are the TEA PARTY – we are Conservative Republicans – we ARE taking back OUR Republican Party. We do not care that the RINO’S have been trying to take over OUR Party because we are here to reclaim it as the true Party of Freedom. If you are a demoncrat – believe us when we tell you that we will be working very hard to ensure that you do not get re-elected when your time is up. Regardless of where your district is, Freedom Fighters known as Tea Partiers will help the other Freedom Fighters get you voted out of office. RINO’S – read what I have written about the demoncrats, what we guarantee these socialists, we mean triple for you. Not only have you been demoncrats all this time, you have not been honest enough to claim it. You want to be devious and attempt to ruin our Party by sneaking in and managing to get rid of the people that we vote in that we know will fight for our Freedoms, you have tried to make this a party identical to the demoncrat party by infiltrating our Party with lies, perversions, and everything bad. You RINO’S have our SPECIAL ATTENTION in getting ALL of you out of office and we will gather together to help insure that you do NOT hold another office for your lifetime. You demoncrats and RINO‘S think that your political careers are safe but you will finally realize that more and more of this nation’s “Sleeping Giants” are waking up, we do not speak much but we more than make up for this in action. You have brought on your own permanent political downfall. You will start seeing Freedom Fighters in Florida helping those in California get all of you voted out of office while the Freedom Fighters in California will help those in Florida do the same to all demoncrats and RINO’S in office there. Believe it or not, it does not matter to us if you think your career is safe. With each election you WILL see more and more of you being voted out of office for treason against this nation! From here on out, the primary sound you will start hearing is GOODBYE AND GOOD RIDDANCE!!!

      Report Post » GODSAMERICA  
    • silentwatcher
      Posted on April 15, 2011 at 1:39am

      Yea, makes cuts to the living standards of the elderly,,,,,,but does nothing to the B.S. spending they like to do for their own ‘constituents’,,,,,,like,,,,say,,,,,’cowboy poetry.’ How about it Reid,,,,you gonna keep wasting taxpayers dollars for the desert poetry programs????? What was it,,,,one million bucks???? that is one program, for starters.

      Report Post »  
    • My Sacred Honor
      Posted on April 15, 2011 at 2:30am

      You gutless bunch of turncoat bastards. I’ll be looking at the voting record and acting accordingly next election. I applaude those whom voted against this slap in the face, but those with an arbitrary “R” beside your name, start geting used to unemployment bennies. And your season in hell.
      I hope all of you rot. Sell MY country out after I served in the Marine Corpse to preserve it? You disgust me..
      And John Boehner? I thought you were a superstar before the November elections. You, sir, are a fraud and opportunist. God rot you slowest. Sellout.
      My hate cannot be expressed on this sencored site.
      Disgusted.
      EFFING disgusted.
      Mike Pence should have been Speaker.
      God how i dispise you all.
      Go home and stare into the mirror and know you sold this Once Great Nation to satan.

      Report Post » My Sacred Honor  
    • My Sacred Honor
      Posted on April 15, 2011 at 2:51am

      *Marine Corps
      *Cencored.
      My apologies. I was blinded by rage.
      And still am.
      Tighten up, Congress or face our feral wrath.
      Same with you, obama.
      We, the People are sick to death of these games, and we shall sit in disgust no longer.
      Bow to our will or bow to our will. We the ByGod People care not either way.
      YOU are employed by US.
      And you are FIRED.

      Report Post » My Sacred Honor  
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