.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)   on  09/22/05  at  07:22 PM    #1

If Congressional Republicans are truly serious about cutting spending -- and experience indicates they are not -- they're going to need a new House Majority Leader.

DeLay declares 'victory' in war on budget fat

House Majority Leader Tom DeLay said yesterday that Republicans have done so well in cutting spending that he declared an "ongoing victory," and said there is simply no fat left to cut in the federal budget.

Mr. DeLay was defending Republicans' choice to borrow money and add to this year's expected $331 billion deficit to pay for Hurricane Katrina relief. Some Republicans have said Congress should make cuts in other areas, but Mr. DeLay said that doesn't seem possible.

"My answer to those that want to offset the spending is sure, bring me the offsets, I'll be glad to do it. But nobody has been able to come up with any yet," the Texas Republican told reporters at his weekly briefing.

Asked if that meant the government was running at peak efficiency, Mr. DeLay said, "Yes, after 11 years of Republican majority we've pared it down pretty good."

.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)   on  09/22/05  at  08:00 PM    #2

DeLay was completely wrong on this. Tom, this is the first time you and I have agreed on a subject.

.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)   on  09/27/05  at  09:24 PM    #3

GOP Leaders Try to Soothe Conservatives

Squeezed between a conservative clamor for spending cuts and the rising cost of hurricane relief, Republican congressional leaders will respond this week with a public relations offensive to win over angry conservatives -- but no substantive changes in budget policy.

Republican lawmakers and leadership aides conceded that the wholesale budget cuts envisioned by House conservatives are not being contemplated; the Senate is moving toward approving a temporary expansion of Medicaid for hurricane survivors, estimated to cost $9 billion.

In the immortal words of Johnny Rotten, "Ever get the feeling you've been cheated?"

Maybe one day the Bushbot suckers will wise up and realize their leaders have absolutely no intention of reducing spending. But I'm not holding my breath.