Analysis: an Iraq Bill No One Loved

[babylonsister]

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/05/25/AR2007052501518.html

Analysis: an Iraq Bill No One Loved

By DAVID ESPO
The Associated Press
Friday, May 25, 2007; 5:55 PM

WASHINGTON -- The Iraq war funding bill cleared by Congress represents a triumph of divided government, beloved by none, crafted to avoid a protracted veto struggle that neither President Bush nor Democrats wanted.

"We feel like we've moved an iceberg an inch," said Rep. Debbie Wasserman-Schultz of Florida, acknowledging the enormity of the task confronting Democrats who took office in January determined to end the war.

Not that top Republicans were happy with legislation that included about $8 billion in domestic spending, added at Democratic insistence. "We've got a whole host of other issues that don't deserve to be put on the backs of our men and women in the military," said House Republican Leader John Boehner of Ohio shortly before the vote. "It's a sneaky way to do business."

Perhaps, but Bush was a full partner, his leverage diminished by approval ratings in the 30s and the war's unpopularity.

Republicans had already shown they would sustain a veto on legislation that impinges on Bush's authority as commander in chief, having done so on a bill that included a troop withdrawal timetable. But they, like Democrats, support government aid to farmers and hurricane victims.

And they were no less clear that their commitment to the current war policy isn't open-ended. "I think that the handwriting is on the wall that we are going in a different direction in the fall, and I expect the president to lead it," said Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the GOP leader.


CONTINUED

[John Q. Citizen]

1. I wish they would do an analysis of the dead and wounded. That seems to be

forgotten in the glamerous world of national politics.

[babylonsister]

2. Sigh. I hear you, and agree. But we can't go sullying all those

precious minds. :eyes: