WASHINGTON (CNN) – Senate and House Democratic leaders had what two sources describe as an extremely heated meeting Thursday night about the spending bill.
Once Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid figured out he did not have the votes to pass it, he and Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin went to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s office to propose passing a five day resolution to keep the government running, and come back to the $410 billion spending bill next week.
The two Democratic sources say Pelosi reacted with “anger,” arguing that Democrats should instead adopt a “scorched earth” strategy and simply fund the government at last year’s levels through the end of the year. Her point, according to the sources, was that even though Republicans have been slamming the bill as wasteful spending, many of them really have an interest in seeing it passed. This would call their bluff.
One of the sources says Reid and Durbin pushed back, saying the bill increases funding for a lot of Democratic priorities slashed by President Bush, and that it was worth another try. At the end of the tense meeting, Senate Democrats prevailed.
This meeting was first reported by the Politico.
From CNN Politics
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I'd like to see the Democrats show some balls. Call those bastards' bluff. Make the Republicans filibuster and make them vote. Don't let them all sit on their hands while America burns.
Finally some Democrats who are starting too worry about there re-election. Some only have 2 yrs. left and there constituents are really starting too pay attention.
I don’t like Pelosi, but I’m with her on this one. If Republicans don’t like the pork in the bill, even though 40% of it is theirs, then kill the bill and watch them all wet their pants. It's all political posturing anyway. That's what you call Be careful what you wish for; you just might get it.
We have a lady like this running things... yea thats bipartisanship at its worst
GOOD FOR PELOSI! Elitist Republicans and Foot-Dragging Democrats no longer have a place in our government. The economy is in too much trouble to allow either of these factions to "putz" around on our dime. They seem to have forgotten that WE PAY THEM, and when we run out of money, they lose THEIR jobs, just like we do.
The Republicans have Rush Limbaugh and the Democrats have Nancy Pelosi – what a sad time for the US.
So much for bi-partisanship and the need to work together for the good of the Country. Ms. Pelosi is behaving much like a mean-spirited, egotistical shrew. Unfortunately, she is doing far more harm to President Obama's efforts than good. Time to bounce Nancy, eh?
More pork for the piggies...kinda nice to see her mad and not getting her way for a change. I can't wait for the next round of elections to see alot of new faces in Washington.
I would love to see how republicans react to that!
last years budget is good enough for me....save the Iraq war costs.
The greatest threat to Obama's agenda is not the Republicans – it is the Pelosi/Reid combination. Both are under the delusion that the popularity of Obama is somehow an endorsement of their leadership and agenda. Reality and polls show both to be incompetent, ineffective leaders with way too much baggage from getting outwitted by the Bushies, and an ideology that is too far left for most Americans. They would do much better to follow the leader that is responsible for their strong majorities in both houses, instead of driving their personal agendas that have no support.
Pelosi needs to go.............quickly
America is so divided.
Pelosi is a little Hitler. She makes Charles Manson look like a girl scout. I would not trust her with a 30 foot pole.
Nothing but a bunch of hogs all trying to slop at the trough at the same time! As an independent voter who had once been a loyal democrat, I am sickened by all the earmarks in this bill and by Pelosi and Reid's greed - putting their need to feed all the "pigs" of both parties, rather than recognize the overwhelming need in this country right now to cinch up their belts and find ways to economize. I am also sickened by Obama's refusal to veto this pork laden bill.
Anger
Now that is how we describe a reaction of the speaker of the house, great
just great. When will our wonderful lawmakers ever work for the country's best interest not their own?
Thanks Nancy
whatever happened to no pork in this bill then when they try and take the pork out that isnt in there the dem say no well call me stupid but spending tax pay dollars with people out of work and giving themselves a pay raise still sucks and spending money to see why pigs stink is still pork and how does that help anyone but these clowns who care only about getting elected 50 million to the people would help alot instead it goes to the natl endowment or the arts
Just what we need... A hot-head in an important position...
Do you realize how much money we spend on this woman? Her plane, her meals, etc...
And she can not even pretend to be calm?
Borack Obama still does not get it. He came in through the sewers. Now he wan'ts people to listen. Mr Obama go back to school, then come back in another 20yrs. It will be too late. But you will have learned something....
For once I agree with Pelosi with one modification, since we all " The People " have to slash our budgets just to survive, you know eat, house, and take care of the kids, Congress should do the same..... first slash 10 Billion from last years budget then past it as this years budget. Lead by example, tighten your belt and help save our country, become part of the solution not the problem.
The politicians fight to determine who can steal more of our money.
Well said Pelosi ....
IF there is any honor among Republicans, SOME would support this suggestion by the Speaker of the House.
It would eliminate the entire "earmark" discussion. It would force some REPUBLICANS to "man up" to THEIR OWN earmarks.
No matter what your political affiliation is, this kind of behavior in congress is reprehensible. I would hope that the constituents of Mrs. Pelosi would think twice about putting her back into office. The left owns congress, its time to grow up and get things done, not bicker.
Get to work and stop the nonsense!
When I first became a registered voter, 25 years ago, it was as a Republican. Years later I changed my affiliation to that of a Democrat, then I became an Independent. Now I am a registered Democrat only because I wanted to support and vote in the primaries for now President Obama. I am NOT a party person, I am an American FIRST! Do what is right for our country! Oregon has a closed primary but I will be changing my registration to be that of Unaffiliated. Don’t get me wrong, I will still vote for President Obama at this point but we really do need a VIABLE 3rd party. Give our President a chance to prove himself. Oh, and here’s an idea........ Don’t even start campaigning until 1 year before the election, this last one was wayyyyyy too long!
Peace
ps CUT THE PORK!!!!!!
Borack Obama! He snuck in the Back-Door. Now he says you will do as I say. No. Mr Obama. When you are Gone. The Market will come back. But not untill...