In two actions yesterday -- one private, one very public -- the House GOP showed their true colors. They vehemently oppose lobbying reform despite the huge scandals swirling around them. They are too drunk with power to care. Then, the House GOP voted to make budget cuts that will hurt the most vulnerable in our society. None of their cronies will suffer.
Fight against any kind of lobby reform (even the weak proposals their leadership proposed):
In a tense, 3 1/2 -hour closed-door session, many Republicans challenged virtually every element of the leadership's proposal, from a blanket ban on privately funded travel to stricter limits on gifts to an end to gym privileges for lawmakers-turned-lobbyists. Rep. John Shadegg (R-Ariz.), a veteran conservative who is seeking a top leadership post, scoffed that Congress knows how to do just two things well -- nothing and overreact, according to witnesses.And screw over the poor, children, the sick and students:
The House yesterday narrowly approved a contentious budget-cutting package that would save nearly $40 billion over five years by imposing substantial changes on programs including Medicaid, welfare, child support and student lending.All in a day's work for those House GOPers.
