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Dems Relent on Spending Bill

Leaders bow to White House pressure on domestic funding

By Peter Fearon,  Newser Staff

Posted Dec 13, 2007 12:07 AM CST
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(Newser) – House Democratic leaders surrendered to pressure from the White House on a wide-ranging domestic spending bill yesterday, dropping demands for $22 billion in additional funding, the Washington Post reports. That still may not be enough for Republicans, who are talking about a possible veto because the bill—$936.5 billion when defense spending is counted—remains $3.7 billion over the president's spending limit.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi tried to put the best spin on the climbdown, claiming that the final bill will reflect "the president's number, our priorities." She said Democrats would try to shift money away from some of Bush's priorities to items such as children's health programs, heating assistance for the poor, and health care for veterans.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said after a climbdown by Democrats over the new domestic spending bill that the bill reflecting the president's numbers but our priorities. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said after a climbdown by Democrats over the new domestic spending bill that the bill reflecting "the president's numbers but our priorities." (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)   (Associated Press)
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, center, joined by House Majority Whip James Clyburn, D-S.C., second from left, Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, right. Democrats succumbed to pressure to cut $22 billion from a domestic spending bill and remain under pressure to cut more. (AP Photo/Haraz N....
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, center, joined by House Majority Whip James Clyburn, D-S.C., second from left, Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, right. Democrats succumbed to pressure...   (Associated Press)
President Bush is seen in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2007. He appears to have won an important political victory over House Democrats over a domestic spending bill. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)
President Bush is seen in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2007. He appears to have won an important political victory over House Democrats over a domestic spending...   (Associated Press)
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Climbdown

Pelosi backs down over spending bill
The Hill

Hoyer says relationship with Pelosi unchanged
The Hill

 
Nancy Pelosi • House Appropriations Committee • Alternative Minimum Tax • House Democrats • Harry M. Reid • Rep. Jerry Lewis • domestic spending bill

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