Senate Republicans blocked passage of the $410 billion ominibus spending bill last night. This is not to be confused with Obama's $787 stimulus package, which has already passed; the omnibus bill represents the balance of the federal budget for this fiscal year, and includes nine spending measures that Congressional Democrats and President Bush could not resolve during his administration. Not even President Obama likes the earmark-heavy bill, explains the Washington Post, though he is expected to sign it. And it's not just Republicans who have objections. Senators Evan Bayh and Russ Feingold voted no because of concerns about earmarks (8,750 of 'em, according to Taxpayers for Common Sense). And NJ Democratic Senator Robert Menendez objected to the bill's relaxation of Cuba travel restrictions. The bill goes back to the drawing board now, with passage expected next week after Republicans are allowed to add amendments, said the New York Times.
This article appears in Mar 4-10, 2009.