Giant Budget Bill Up For Vote Today

Normally, Congress passes a yearly budget by passing a dozen or so appropriations bills. This year, the Democrats didn't want voters to see how much they were spending BEFORE the election, so they didn't bother to pass a budget. Now, in the lame-duck session, they're trying to push the entire budget through in one fell swoop, in one massive budget bill. That bill is up for a vote in the House today.
http://blogs.ajc.com/jamie-dupree-washington-insider/2010/12/08/house-budget-details/

The U.S. House is set to vote today on a long-term budget plan that would keep the government running through the end of the current fiscal year, September 30, 2011. That goal would be accomplished in an unusual manner, by approving just one bill - instead of the normal 12 different budget bills that routinely go through the Congress.

A summary of the bill is included at the link above, so have fun reading it. Pay close attention to the end of it. Why? Because the Democrats are doing their normal piggyback routine. Tacked onto this bill is the so-called "Food Safety Bill"... remember that one?

The Food Safety Bill passed the House and finally the Senate, then hit a hurdle because the Senate disregarded the Constitution and added new taxes; All revenue measures must originate in the House.

So, to solve this, they've tacked the bill onto the mammoth budget bill, and it will face a vote in the House today. Personally, I think that should be forbidden. It's separate legislation, and it should be dealt with separately.

Oh, and the Democrats are playing their normal procedural tricks and won't allow Republicans to offer any amendments to the bill. Gee, it must be good to be the King. Deposed, yes, but not yet out the door.

This bill will likely pass both Houses, and the food bill will become law.