Bush Prevails in Deal on $87 Billion for War Effort

[Emboldened Chimp]

http://www.nytimes.com/2003/10/29/international/middleeast/29CND-COST.html?hp

By DAVID STOUT

Published: October 29, 2003


WASHINGTON, Oct. 29 — Senate and House negotiators reached general agreement on an $87 billion aid package for Iraq and Afghanistan today, and they specified that all the money would be in the form of grants, as President Bush had wanted.

The action clears the way for both houses to pass the aid package, which is expected Thursday or Friday. The House and Senate have already approved the package in principle, so today's agreement on most of the sticking points between the two chambers assures final passage.

Vote counters had predicted over the past few days that Mr. Bush would get his way — that is, that the final package would be stripped of loan provisions. The president has insisted that Iraq should not be saddled with a debt burden in its post-Hussein infancy.

[MaineDem]

1. The Senate caved in, I guess

I can only shake my head.

[Malva Zebrina]

2. Heh--it was all for publicity

from the Bobsey Twins,Snowe and Collins, but they did look good for the short time it lasted. It was after all reported in print and the public will remember that. I wonder how Bush twisted their arms? What did he threaten? Boot lickers without a scintilla of guts, both of them

[Fovea]

3. Disgusting

Of course, for Poor Americans, nothing.

This government is so unmitigatedly evil. I hope they all get the afterlife they deserve, and as soon as possible.

[bluestateguy]

4. The US Congress! With all the independence of the old Iraqi Parliament!

Rubber stamps needed at Capitol Hill. Please rush!

[leetrisck]

5. I suppose that means Laura Bush got her $150 million

for Children's Hospital in Iraq. I can see it now. Of course, we getting ready to shut down VA hospitals.

[Malva Zebrina]

7. Laura Bush has no idea what hospital she is getting this money for

believe me. She has no idea--no clue--she will abandon all her assigned projects like she abandoned the women in Afganistan. Call her on it? Anyone? LOL, of course not.

[chromotone]

6. Doesn't he mean "Halliburton?"

The president has insisted that Iraq should not be saddled with a debt burden in its post-Hussein infancy.

Apparently, he doesn't mind saddling Americans with debt. I can't believe Americans don't see through this!!! :crazy:

[grilled onions]

8. idiot worries about their debt...

...their healthcare..their hospitals while our debt grows,hospitals shut down and every day more are without medical coverage.. :mad:

[bluedog]

9. you know something?

I'm voting Democratic ticket for President again this year...but when Sen races come up I am just going to vote Ind or Green...
I'm sick of our sens saying that they are speaking for their people...the hell the are....they are all falling lock step with bush and their co horts in congress...
we need to get out of this two party-- patty cake crap-- and get a party that does represent the people...if this opinion bothers anyone...oh well....we are not getting our voices heard!

[Flying_Pig]

10. Can't wait to peruse the Thomas Register and see which Dems

voted to support this bill. Along with the usual suspects (Lieberman, Miller, Breaux, et al), I'll bet there were plenty of others.

Israel has been putting a lot of pressure on Dems, vis-a-vis their lobbying arms, to vote for passage. They want the U.S. to be well funded to fight their wars for them. No doubt, part of the 67B allocated for the military in this bill, includes money for Syrian incursions, which Israel is pushing for almost as hard as they pushed for the Iraq war.

Funny how no one talks much about Israel's influence on our Congress, our foreign policy, and on our political processes (they're backing Bush to the hilt in 04').

Oh well. I guess we can afford to ignore the farting elephant in the room.

[chromotone]

12. Will this link help?

http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/vote_menu_108_1.htm

I don't see it...it must not be up yet.

[Torgo]

11. This is one more nail in the Repuglican coffin!

I live in a heavily-Republican suburb of Pittsburgh, and it seems unbelievable that so many Democratic candidate's election posters are appearing in front yards around here.

The current county executive (a Repug) decided to reasess all of the homes in the county, thus doubling the local property taxes. He is history come November 4th.

Bush's 87 billion tax giveaway is going to have the exact same effect.
Even the diehards are going to realize that 87 billion of their tax money is being shoved into a rathole.

There are a lot of pissed-off Republicans who are not going to take this little budget-buster lying down. I pity anyone voting in favor of the bill come election time.