Return Fire: House Dems Attempt to Block Obama's Ability to Close Git'mo [View All]

Dems show signs of abandoning Obama elsewhere after frustration with tax deal

By Susan Crabtree - 12/09/10 11:31 PM ET
Incensed over President Obama’s tax compromise, House Democratic leaders are showing signs of abandoning the administration and going their own way on critical issues such as national security.

In a striking move, the appropriations committee late Wednesday attached a provision to a $1.1 trillion resolution to keep the government funded next year that would prevent Obama from spending any funds to try terrorism suspects in civilian court instead of military commissions.

The language would essentially prevent the closing of the detainee prison at Guantanamo Bay.

Some House Democrats viewed the move as an act of defiance and a direct demonstration of just how furious the caucus is with Obama’s decision to work with Republicans to extend the Bush-era tax cuts.

But many other Democrats, including Rep. Jim Moran (D-Va.), a member of the defense appropriations subcommittee, said they didn’t even know the provision was included.

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http://thehill.com/homenews/house/133039-dems-show-signs-of-abandoning-obama-after-frustration-with-tax-deal