Senate Follows House, Approves Budget

[Purveyor]

Source: Associated Press

(04-02) 20:44 PDT WASHINGTON (AP) --

The Democratic-controlled Senate has passed a budget drafted to President Barack Obama's specifications, voting a few hours after the House approved a similar plan.

The Senate vote was 55-43, along party lines.

The plan calls for spending of $3.5 trillion for the budget year beginning Oct. 1 and has a deficit projected at $1.2 trillion.

It provides for higher spending on domestic programs and clears the way for action later in the year on Obama's call for an overhaul of health care, a new energy policy and changes in federal support for education.

The budget votes mark victories for the Obama administration, but tough battles lie ahead when lawmakers turn to the other items on the president's agenda.

Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2009/04/01/national/w084201D92.DTL

[PM Martin]

1. Strange how the Republicans suddenly oppose

deficit spending now that there is a Democrat who wants to increase spending on social programs and infrastructure.

[droidamus2]

9. And..

Another of the great Republicans deficit fighting ideas is to freeze domestic spending for 5 years. Basically tie the Democrats hands for Obama's first term. Yeah like that is a real obvious bunch of political bs.

[WatchWhatISay]

2. I'm wondering which 2 Dems voted against it

Maybe a couple of Bluedongs, but, its not like they had a real coalition.

[NYC Liberal]

3. Bayh and Ben Nelson nt

[BadgerKid]

4. So much for needing 60 votes?

:shrug:

[Merlot]

5. They only needed a majority for this vote

I think because it's a budget. When they need 60 it's to avoid a filibuster.

The rules are really strange and change by the type of bill.

[Doug.Goodall]

6. Finally the adults are in charge again.

We are in charge now, and the Republicans can go sit in the corner and watch us fix the mess caused by the Bush Administration.

[No Elephants]

7. Increasing the deficit also requires 60, I believe. A majority can change that.

[xchrom]

8. +5