Just before its month-long recess, Congress got some work done. On Wednesday, for example, the House passed a bill (S.1) that takes steps toward ethics and lobbying reform (BN-Politics). Yesterday, the Senate passed the same bill on an 83-14 vote, indicating significant bipartisan support (see roll call vote).
Yesterday, the Senate also voted to expand healthcare coverage for children (Washington Post). As Damozel discussed yesterday, President Bush (and some House Republicans) opposed the increased funding, apparently to protect private insurance companies.(BN-Politics)
The House Transportation Committee made emergency funding available to help the Twin Cities after the bridge collapsed (The Hill).
On the Iraq front, the House passed a bill (H.R. 3159) that would require minimum rest periods for combat troops before they get sent back into battle (see bill text). The bill passed by a 229-194 vote, with six Republicans joining the Democratic majority (see roll call vote). Despite his frequent mentions of support for our troops, President Bush has threatened to veto the minimum-rest bill.
The Washington Post, said this about Bush's political strategy:
"With other key elements of their agenda blocked, Bush and his advisers believe they can shore up their poor standing in public approval polls by claiming the mantle of fiscal conservatism."
Has President Bush ever been a true fiscal conservative? According to The Independent Institute, spending under Bush has increased at among the highest rates in 30 years -- and it's not just military spending.
The President could have tried to reduce congressional spending through his veto power, but he didn't. In fact, the first time he vetoed a bill in July 2006, more than 5 years after he took office (WaPo). It was a stem-cell research bill.
It's safe to say that spending has contributed to our national debt. In December 2000, just before Bush took office, the debt was $5.6 trillion; now, it's $8.9 trillion (U.S. Treasury).
Is the public likely to believe a P-R campaign proclaiming Bush a fiscal conservative?
Comments