http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/us/AP-Congress-Spending.html?_r=1&oref=sloginanuary 31, 2007
GOP, Democrats Clash Over Spending Bill
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Filed at 4:15 p.m. ET
WASHINGTON (AP) -- House Republicans complained bitterly Wednesday that they had been shut out of the secretive process in which Democrats assembled a huge spending bill to sweep clear a budgetary mess they inherited.
As the House kicked off debate on the bill, Republicans said the measure was being rushed to the floor without adequate time for lawmakers to read it and without the chance to offer changes.
''I cannot recall in the entire time I've been a member of the House a single appropriations bill that has not been open to amendment at some level,'' said Rep. James Walsh, R-N.Y., a 10-term veteran. ''Frankly, I think that's a travesty.''
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but bring a crying towel ..