Senate Democrats' Budget Leaves War Funding Intact

[Purveyor]

WASHINGTON — Senate Democrats will unveil a 2008 budget today that would boost spending for uninsured children, students and veterans without cutting funds for defense or the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The budget also would not roll back any of President Bush's tax cuts after 2010, when they are set to expire. It says the tax cuts can be extended if they are paid for.

The spending plan, to be voted on Thursday by the Senate Budget Committee, is more specific about its additions than its subtractions. Most decisions on how to pay for new spending or tax cuts are left to the committees that will turn the budget blueprint into legislation.

"We do not tell them how to raise the money," said Sen. Kent Conrad, D-N.D., who chairs the budget panel. "We do not tell (them) how to spend the money."

In fact, the budget is most notable for what it would not do, despite Democrats' attacks: reduce Bush's war spending or tax cuts. Senate Democrats do not want to be seen as hurting troops or taxpayers. House Democrats will unveil their proposal next week.

It will be the first budget written solely by Democrats in 13 years.

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http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2007-03-13-budget_N.htm

[pocoloco]

1. Ron Paul is looking better and better every day!

[Erika]

2. Democrats leave tax cuts for the rich in place?

Pelosi has some explaining to do.

[rec_report]

3. Useless is as useless does. n/t

[Erika]

4. You mean like the GOP and W?

I'll give Nancy a chance to explain.

[ninkasi]

6. This says it's the Senate Dems

I think it's terrible. The majority of voters won't object to rolling back the tax cuts on the wealthy, or at least I don't see why they would. The last thing we need is more red ink.

[The Stranger]

5. Redemption for Ralph Nader.

New boss same as the old boss. Right there for all the world to see.

[FreeStateDemocrat]

11. Both parties are ruled by corporate controlled whores.

[geomon666]

7. So where's the money going to come from?

You're not going to curtail spending money on Bush's filthy oil war. You're not going to cover the trough of these rich bastards that siphon the life out of the working man. You're going to throw more money elsewhere but where is the money going to come from? More debt?

[w4rma]

8. "if they are paid for". The money isn't there, therefore they won't be paid for.

But, this country's budget is going to be hurting by 2010.

[rodeodance]

9. damn!!

[camero]

10. After seeing that...

I've come to see that Dems criticizing Repugs over budget priorities is akin to the pot calling the kettle black. I lose more faith that anyone will right this ship every day.

[Heidi]

12. Kick.

:kick:

[seriousstan]

13. Senate Democrats' budget leaves war funding intact

Highlights of the plan:

•This year's $248 billion budget deficit would rise to $249 billion next year. By 2012, it would be replaced by a $132 billion surplus.

•The Children's Health Insurance Program would get up to $50 billion more over five years, about $45 billion more than Bush proposed and enough to insure all eligible children. Education programs would get about $6 billion more than Bush proposed next year, and veterans programs would rise by about $3.5 billion.

•The Defense and State departments would get the full $142 billion Bush seeks in 2008 for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Democrats also kept Bush's proposed $481 billion defense budget, a $49 billion boost over this year.

•Tax rates would not be increased, but the budget would seek to clamp down on tax cheats and offshore tax shelters to raise new revenue. The alternative minimum tax, which targets the rich, would not raise taxes on the middle class for two years — one year more than Bush proposes.


http://usatoday.printthis.clickability.com/pt/cpt?action=cpt&title=Senate+Democrats%27+budget+leaves+war+funding+intact+-+USATODAY.com&expire=&urlID=21528127&fb=Y&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.usatoday.com%2Fnews%2Fwashington%2F2007-03-13-budget_N.htm%3Fcsp%3D34&partnerID=1660

[Deep13]

14. God damn son of a bitch fucking shit for brain jelly fish!!

:argh:

They didn't even roll back the Bush tax cuts?!

[John Q. Citizen]

15. Democrats buy stock in bush war.....n/t

[iconoclastic cat]

16. All incumbents must be booted out. You too, Durbin. nt

[robinlynne]

17. wtf.

[EndElectoral]

18. I hope this is wrong....outrageous if it is not.