Democrats Set to Defy Bush on War Bill

[babylonsister]

Democrats Set to Defy Bush on War Bill

By CARL HULSE
Published: May 6, 2008


WASHINGTON — Defying President Bush, House Democrats are preparing to forge ahead with a war spending measure that would include extended unemployment assistance and new educational benefits for returning veterans.

After a meeting Monday evening of House Democratic leaders, Speaker Nancy Pelosi said she hoped to bring a $178 billion measure to the floor this week. What could be a contentious debate on the matter is likely to be held on Thursday, aides said.

Ms. Pelosi, of California, did not disclose details of the proposed bill, which will be presented to rank-and-file Democrats at a closed party session on Tuesday. But Democratic officials, who did not want to be identified since the bill was still being put into final form, said the legislative package would include provisions requiring a significant withdrawal of troops from Iraq by December 2009 and measures that would force Iraq to share more costs of its reconstruction.

Democrats also intend to make veterans eligible for new educational assistance if they have served from three months to three years or more on active duty since Sept. 11, 2001. The aid would be equivalent to a four-year scholarship at a public university for those with three years or more service, with payments prorated for those with less time.

Mr. Bush has steadily insisted he would not approve any legislation that exceeds his spending request for the war, sets any withdrawal deadlines or adds domestic money he opposes like the unemployment benefits. And House Republicans, angry that the measure is not going through formal committee consideration, began on Monday to open procedural attacks on the House floor in protest, forcing extra votes on noncontroversial measures.

more...

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/06/washington/06house.html?_r=1&ref=us&oref=slogin

[fed-up]

1. STOP the war funding NOW...nt

[Indenturedebtor]

2. Let the world quake

Gather up your sons and daughters
Pull the wash down from the line
Batten up your doors and windows
Eyes straight ahead now not behind
Come you now we've need for shelter
The wrath will rain down line by line

Congress is going to send someone a strongly worded letter! :hide:

[madokie]

3. but only yesterday I read they were to cave on immunity for the tele traitors

so this is a smoke screen for that methinks maybe

[babylonsister]

4. No, they're two different things.

One is for FISA immunity, the other is to yes, provide funding for the war until the dim one gets out but to also provide support for the soldiers, that same support McCain refuses to sign on to.

[madokie]

5. meaning one is to make the headlines while the other slips through the cracks

Trust me I know the difference between the two bills

[babylonsister]

6. Except I heard about the Dems going against * on the war bill

last week. :hi: