Fleischer went on to suggest the Senate used a late night vote to cloak the true figure ten percent from the American people. Asterisk or not, Senate leaders have committed to an eight percent growth in spending, while their House counterparts, Republicans at least, have shown discipline, with a four percent hike. Democrats, as ever, will look at specific figures in the Bush budget and claim programs are being cut, even those that get more funding, but not at a pace with inflation. But in the Senate, both parties are showing no discipline. More likely, something like six or seven percent, will result from compromise between the House, Senate and White House.
Senators are at the trough.
But the fact is, since everybody can threaten to abandon ship on any other bill, then in order to have party discipline, there s going to be a lot of bribing going on. I would expect it to be a feeding frenzy. Hassett believes the White House will have to swallow the larger hike, if it is to gain the concomitant tax-cut that Mr. Bush is making the hallmark of his administration. Senate Republicans don t appear ready to help, having pushed additional spending increases for defense, veterans programs, and health care, over what the president wants. Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson will see a funding increase for his department next year.