"This bill targets Americans with the greatest needs and the fewest resources," said Senator Harry Reid, the Nevada Democrat who is the Senate minority leader.Sure, the legislation trims just three-tenths of 1 percent from federal spending over the next five years and yes, yes, it will be completely negated by the next round of Republican-backed tax cuts for the wealthy ($70 billion in additional tax are on the agenda for January 2006), But never mind. Poor people got screwed, so I guess the deficit-cutters in the GOP (God's Official Party) can say dayenu.
Update: Fun Fact #1 - The bill delivers $2.6 billion in new tax breaks for oil companies. Oil companies!!
Fun fact # 2 - Contraception and other family planning services are provided as a matter of course under Medicaid. The bill cuts Medicaid, meaning less contraception and, therefore, more abrotion. Well done God-fearing Republican senators!
Fun fact #3 - The bill cuts over $12.7 billion from student loan programs, resulting in higher payments for 472,000 New Yorkers today. Bad news junior lawyers! Looks like you got screwed, too!