"Freeze, suckers!" Senate Votes Down Heating Aid Increase

The Senate decided Wednesday the money wasn't there for a substantial spending boost for the federal home heating program, deflecting arguments that soaring energy prices could force the poor to choose between heat and food this winter.

Senators voted 54-43 in favor of a proposal to boost the fiscal 2006 budget for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program from $2.2 billion to $5.1 billion. That was six votes short of the 60-vote majority needed to approve new spending not coupled with equivalent spending cuts.

Northern senators who pushed for increased spending for the program, led by Sens. Jack Reed, D-R.I., and Susan Collins, R-Maine, argued that the surge in fuel costs would be crippling to low-income families.

People could have to "choose between keeping the heat on, putting food on the table or buying much needed prescription drugs," Collins said. "No family should need to make such terrible choices."

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20051027/ap_on_go_co/heating_aid&printer=1

A horrendous double standard if you ask me...

They are the ones who give credence that the NO levees could have been blown. Collins should leave the party of the rich elitists.

Now let's hear how Christian Republicans are.

...Another case of 'fuck the poor'?

I'm soooooooooooooooooooooooooo shocked! :sarcasm:

Didn't you see Ted Stevens (R-Dickhead) on the Senate floor yesterday, threatening to resign from the Senate if they cut it out?

My question is, why did they pass up an opportunity to kill 2 skunks with one stone?

there is room on our team for you, if you care to join us.

and capital gains a year early? How about everyone giving up his or her pork on the transportation bill? How about stripping away all tax breaks for oil and gas companies? HOW ABOUT GETTING OUT OF IRAQ?

What a bunch of cold-hearted jerks. And you know what? All those freepers whose grandmothers will have a hard time this winter will go ahead an vote pubbie in 2006.

But first save their fetuses for a later consumption.

I know!

Just eat hot food!

(I guess I shouldnt give the bastards any ideas)

In all seriousness, this is going to be a tough winter.

and occupy thier homes.
Take thier coats blankets and shoes with you and the contents of the fridge ,siphon thier heating oil.

They can afford to buy more.

and from what the experts say this is supposed to be a COLD, COLD, COLD winter.:scared:

Congress sucks! They're proving to be such a bunch of corporate hags.

And handouts to the drug companies. And on and on...

This is corrupt, immoral Republican government against the people.