But, of course, that doesn’t mean the Democrats in Congress had to accept the President’s proposal. They could have said, no, not $50 billion for 2009; $0 for 2009.
Now, something is counterintuitive here. If the money is really for Afghanistan, training Iraqi troops, and protecting US embassies–and not continuing the US Occupation of Iraq–then why would it stop abruptly in 2009, instead of continuing into 2012? Each of these activities could conceivably continue for several years.
The reason is, the President requested no Overseas funding for 2010 through 2012, so Congress could only add funding for those years–even if for purposes other than the Occupation–by increasing the total bottom line of the budget. If Democrats did that, then Republicans would accuse them even more of overspending than they already are, a Budget Office aide explained to APN, on condition of anonymity.
"We’d have hoped the President would provide a more realistic five-year window, but he didn’t. There was a lot of criticism by Democrats," the Budget aide said.
KUCINICH OPPOSES OCCUPATION FUNDING
Kucinich opposes the Supplemental because "he always opposes funding for the war," an aide said.
"Anyone who thinks this Congress is trying to end the war had better think again because this budget signals we will be in Iraq for another two years or more, even though Congress has led the American people and the media to believe otherwise," Kucinich said in remarks on the US House Floor.
"Congress recently engaged in dubious debate about a non-binding surge resolution. Even though Congress had, and still has the authority to end the war now, we instead gave it new life with last week's vote. Now $195 billion, on top of last week's supplemental, means that close to $300 billion in a week has been approved to continue the war. When will Congress stand for truth and peace, and stop funding this war?" Kucinich said.
But one aide questioned Kucinich’s vote.
"Mr. Kucinich is running for President, so he has different objectives than us," an aide within the Democratic Congressional leadership said.
WHAT’S NEXT
The US House and Senate will need to come to a compromise on the Budget, as well as on the Supplemental. This could take weeks or months. Then, each area of spending in the Budget will have to go through an Appropriations process.
President Bush has said he will veto this bill, but he cannot veto forever without dramatically affecting his relationship with Democrats and Republicans in Congress.
About the author:
Matthew Cardinale is the News Editor of Atlanta Progressive News. He may be reached at matthew@atlantaprogressivenews.com
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