Democrats split on war spending bill

Source: New York Times

http://atwar.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/07/27/democrats-split-on-war-spending-bill/?partner=rss&emc=rss

Representative David R. Obey, chairman of the Appropriations Committee, intends to vote against the war spending bill before the House on Tuesday, signaling a deepening split in the Democratic Party over the war in the wake of the disclosure of classified documents showing the conflict was not going as well as portrayed.

The break by Mr. Obey, the Wisconsin Democrat ostensibly responsible for the very bill he will oppose, came as fellow liberal Democrats complained that scarce federal dollars were being devoted to Afghanistan at the expense of critical needs at home.

“With all due respect,” said Representative James P. McGovern, Democrat of Massachusetts, “I think we need to do more nation-building here at home.”

(...)

Under expedited rules, debate on the measure Tuesday morning was sharply limited and the bill was brought up before noon, not a time when major legislation is usually debated. By using the process, the leadership will need nearly 290 votes to pass the measure depending on how many representatives vote.

Democrats are counting on nearly all 178 Republicans and up to 125 Democrats backing the money, meaning another 130 Democrats would oppose the legislation.

Mr. Obey, who is retiring at the end of this Congress, was unhappy that the Senate stripped about $22 billion in domestic spending included by the House from the measure. But he also said he doubted the current Afghanistan strategy could prevail.

“As chairman, I have the obligation to bring this supplemental before the House to allow the institution to work its will,” he told his colleagues. “But I also have the obligation to my conscience to indicate – by my individual vote – my profound skepticism that this action will accomplish much more than to serve as a recruiting incentive for those who most want to do us ill.”

Read more: http://atwar.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/07/27/democrats-split-on-war-spending-bill/?partner=rss&emc=rss

Let's hope that incipient spine grows and prospers!

"Mr. Obey, who is retiring at the end of this Congress,...

I realize there were 130 others, but it is interesting that this is when he decides to take a stand.

The War and Killing of innocents will go on

Get ready for a few thousand more Gold Star Mothers

these dems won't be enough to kill the bill.

Funny how alll these billions are ok and don't have to come out of the Pentagon budget. No pay-go for the Pentagon just for education, healthcare etc.