U.S. House defeats $162.5 bln in new war funds anti-War Dems Win

[Ichingcarpenter]

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday defeated legislation that would have funded the war in Iraq for another year, in a surprise move that the Senate could overturn.

By a vote of 149-141, the Democrat-controlled House rejected a measure that would have given the Pentagon $162.5 billion to keep the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan running through next summer, slightly below President George W. Bush's request.

A large group of anti-war House Democrats voted against the funds. That, coupled with 132 Republicans voting "present," meaning neither "yes" nor "no," killed the measure for now.

http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSWBT00901020080515

[midnight]

1. This is another piece of good news. Now they have to do the

same with the telecom immunity bill-Stop it.

[malaise]

2. By a vote of 149-141??? That vote tally is wrong

The 266-166 fell short of the two-thirds needed to overcome a promised veto by President Bush.

The Democratic plan would impose a surtax on individual incomes exceeding $500,000 to pay for the 10-year, $52 billion cost of boosting the GI Bill to provide Iraq veterans with college educations. Couples would pay the tax on income exceeding $1 million.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24645781/

[Ichingcarpenter]

3. Look at what the Republicans did ... they voted present

Its a political ploy.

[malaise]

6. OK thanks

Lyn Woolsey was great -she linked the vote to the Winter soldiers.

[ColbertWatcher]

8. I know! What a bunch of cowards! Pick a side, GOP, we're at war! n/t

[Wizard777]

4. YES!

[sinkingfeeling]

5. The Repubs are such cowards!! Trying to save their asses by voting 'present'!

[MzNov]

7. Great news, for now!

:hi:

I expect they knew this would fail?

Go Progressive Democrats!!!! :yourock: