Senate Democrats' 2008 budget leaves war funding, bush tax cuts intact

http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2007-03-13-budget_N.htm?csp=34

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.

Too bad we don't have a huge group of leftists in our Reichstag so they could noisily troop out!

of any chances the Dems had to do any good. What a terrible disappointment. There are people here in NH who will mount an opposition (peace) candidate against our new dem rep immediately and since we got him in, we'll damn sure see him out!

They must keep powder dry, err... I mean they do not have the votes! Reid is a great leader and we must agree with his agenda!

:sarcasm: