Republicans moved to close debate on the Democrats' budget. The Democrats' budget failed to pass, with 19 in favor and 20 opposed. Republicans applauded the outcome.

"It's a failure!" Rep. Frank cried.

"Mr. Frank, all too often but yet again, you are out of order," Speaker Hastert said.

Rep. Ralph Regula was the first to speak on behalf on the Republican budget.

"Today I'm proud to be a Republican and an American," said Rep. Regula. "Throughout my time in office, I've fought for seniors...so they can enjoy their golden years."

Rep. Regula listed many programs funded by the Republican budget and praised its reduction of the deficit.

"Is the gentleman from Ohio aware that his hair looks especially good today?" fawned Speaker Hastert, in what is being called a return to gentility.

Rep. Hoyer decried the proposal's cuts to services. "It is completely insensitive," he said, enumerating groups hurt by the cuts.

Rep. Goodlatte spoke in support of reducing the deficit "not by raising taxes, but by being good stewards of taxpayers' money." He praised the belt-tightening of the Republican budget, particularly regarding agriculture policy.

"It makes me sick how Democrats want to open up the country to terrorists and welcome them in," Rep. Wolf said, in support of strong defense spending and the Republican budget. "America will be safe from rape in the prisons."

Rep. Kaptur expressed her surprise that the Republican budget had so little to offer a conservative Democrat. "I came here ready to join hands across the aisle," she said, but was leaving disappointed.

Debate was closed by a standing vote.

Much consternation broke out when the vote came down to Rep. Hunter and Speaker Hastert, with votes at 19 in favor, 19 opposed, and one abstaining. Representatives converged around Rep. Hunter in a last-minute attempt to persuade him.

Speaker Hastert voted in favor of the Republican budget, and the voting closed without a vote from Rep. Hunter.

The final vote on passing the Republican budget was concluded with 20 in favor, 19 opposed, and two abstaining (Reps. Hunter and Johnson).

Rep. Pryce proposed a resolution praising the conduct of the entire House, clerk, and press for their conduct throughout. It passed unanimously. She also proposed a censure of Rep. Frank for physically assaulting her during heated deliberations about Rep. Hunter's vote and said that if it did not pass, she would call security.

"We cut the security guards," Rep. Bonner commented.

The administration accepted the budget proposed by House Republicans.

Sec. Mike Leavitt remarked that obesity was a problem and he was concerned about the Democrat's eating habits during the debate.

Rep. Frank commented that Speaker Hastert himself was "Taftian." He was then censured by a voice vote.

And on that note, the House adjourned for pizza.

In support of the Democrats' main budget proposal, Rep. Spratt discussed Social Security, Medicare, and the AMT.

"Pissing off old people is a bad idea for your re-election strategy," Rep. Spratt said, saying the Democrats' budget protected all citizens.

"Nine-eleven," Rep. Nussel said. "The Democrats have not learned anything from 9-11. Just because you add more troops, it's not the same as strengthening defense."

"I am disgusted that Congressman Nussel dares to accuse Democrats of learning nothing from 9/11," Rep. Lowey responded. "As a member who lost constituents and acquaintances in the tragedy 4 years ago, I take personal offense to the implication that I take their lives, or the lives of any American lightly."

Rep. Nussel also criticized the Democrats' budget for denying senior citizens access to generic drugs.

Rep. Pryce asked whether Rep. Nussel knew that the Democrats' budget wasted 1.25 billion dollars on three items labeled "stuff," "stuff" and "stuff."

"The army I imagine cannot come true with the Republican budget or the administration budget," said Rep. Skelton, advocating the Democrats' budget. He went on to cite a study that the vast majority of the Islamic world did not appreciate US foreign policy, particulary preemptive wars.

Rep. Barton, button blinking, related a story of being approached by Democrats and how much he appreciated the gesture but considered it ill-informed considering his congressional record.

Minority Leader Pelosi countered that being one of 11 Representatives to vote against Katrina relief was not something to be proud of. Regarding bipartisanship, she said that the Democrats approached many of their Republican colleagues in the spirit of cooperation, regardless of their records.

"This budget deliberately stunts economic interests," Rep. Barton added. "It shows how much Democrats are willing to submit to pseudo-science like global warming."

Rep. Slaughter explained the "stuff, stuff and stuff" items in the Democrats' budget.

Speaker Hastert agreed on behalf of Republicans to accept the revisions to their budget.

"I'm certainly honored and privileged to blantatly violate the rules of the Constitution to speak to you tonight," said Tresury Secretary John Snow.

"I'm hearing a lot of whining about how the tax cuts benefit the rich and so on," Sec. Snow said. "But these are the people who own businesses. Our upper-income is what fuels the economy, simple as that. The Democrats' proposal would raise taxes significantly. It's the type of bloated budget that we expect from their party."

Rep. Ike Skelton, speaking on the heels of Defense Secretary Rumsfeld, said that neither the Republican budget nor the administration budget reflected good defense policy.

"How do we maintain national security?" Rep. Skelton asked, suggesting that the US should recruit people who know what they are doing and who can understand the motivation of terrorists. "We are losing talented people in our military."

Rep. Hoyer requested that Democrats be allowed to continue speaking in favor of Alternative E. Rep. Barton objected.

"We're going to be late for the pizza," said Rep. Barton.

"I think we're talking about America's future," Rep. Hoyer responded.

David Obey explained the fiscal responsibility of Alt. E, which meets the deficit reduction goals in four years, and the strength of its education program.

Speaker Hastert, speaking for the first time regarding a Democrat Alternative, said he could not allow the Democrats to "pull a fast one" on the Congress and the country.

"This alternative raises taxes 600 billion dollars. Whichever way you cut it, tax increases hurt our economy," he said. "I yield my time to myself."

"I get another pithy but totally useless comment from the Democrats," said Speaker Hastert during a debate regarding truncating conversation on Alt. E. Bipartisan cooperation seemed to be deteriorating.

Rep. Hunter criticized the Democrats for cutting defense in order to reduce the deficit. Rep. Miller expressed concern about the effect of the GOP budget on beaches.

Democrat Alternative E failed to pass, garnering 19 votes in favor, 20 votes against, and two Republican abstentions.

Lefty: Republicans showed their true, undemocratic colors by starting this new session by limiting voting time for each proposal to five minutes. They began this vote while many congressmen were still taking their seats, clearly with the intent to disenfranchise their Democrat colleagues.

Connie: Republicans passed a sensible rule to curtail Democrats' abuses of the system. Their ridiculous and purposeless delay of the previous vote wasted all our time.

Farrah: At least we can all come together over a good boner joke.

Lefty: Bipartisanship is dead. Republicans killed it. How else can you explain Rep. Regula's absurd motion that the Democrats be forbidden to make coffee?! Simply because they had the foresight to bring a coffee-maker?

Connie: Please. The Democrats' coffee was a transparent attempt to make working conditions unpleasant for Republicans. If they just wanted coffee, they would have shared.

Connie: Thank the Lord that someone finally moved to censure Rep. Frank, who has been out of order this entire session. I also think the public should know about Rep. Frank's lucrative Petco endorsement. They pay him to mention their products on the floor.

Lefty: I think we can all agree that Rep. Stark's call to return to a civil discussion of budget alternatives rather than mud-slinging and partisan wrangling. Also, Rep. Hastert has biker friends? Should we look into that?

Connie: Is David Obey on drugs? Does anyone really love budgeting so much that they feel the need to bang on the podium?

Lefty: I think we would all appreciate it if you would stick to substance, Connie, instead of throwing about absurd accusations. Rep. Obey's speech on Alternative E was concise and persuasive. "We are throwing money down the rat hole with missile defense." Were truer words ever spoken?

Farrah: Rep. John Murtha echoed his call to withdraw the troops from Iraq. "The burdens of this war have not been shared equally," he said, in support of Dem. Alt. E. "You can't claim to be pro-defense while supporting a budget that is anti-military families."

Lefty: I think Rep. Ryun's slogan-slinging "Victory to the GOP" only revealed his unwillingness to compromise and listen to reason.

Connie: When will Chet Edwards stop saying "the president's home state" every time he says Texas? We know where the president is from. We know where Rep. Edwards is from. If you want to talk about rhetorical bullshit, let's talk about that.

Lefty: "We need to maintain our nation’s competitive advantage," said Rep. Edwards. He rightly favors keeping America a leader in technology and innovation. Disagreeing with this is unpatriotic and, frankly, disgusting.

Connie: Ah, Rep. Pryce--one of my favorite House members. She very sensibly questions the merit of the disastrous Democrat budget alternatives.

Rep. Ford also shared a story about John Littleman, a small farmer served by the TVA, which would be sold in a Republican budget.

Rep. Bill Young talked about soldiers in Iraq who need troop rotation but also protection. "We owe our lives to Clarence, and the least we can do is give Clarence a rest."

Josh Bolton, CEA Chair, addressed the AMT. "I urge you to consider AMT reform in the context of comprehensive tax reform."

Rep. Blunt pointed out that Alternative B does not fix the AMT and questioned why it was under discussion at this time. Rep. Regula questioned whether Republican proposals contained more tax relief than those of Democrats, and Rep. Blunt confirmed that they did.

Rep. Pryce called Alternative B irresponsible and said that a vote for it is a wasted vote, since the Alternative would be vetoed by the administration.

In this roll call vote, the pronunciation of Rep. Boehner's name was confirmed as "Baner."

Five Democrats, Reps. Frank, McGovern, Miller, Spratt and Obey, remained silent during the vote while their names were called repeatedly. A standing vote was called to change the rules to close voting in 30 seconds; it passed; and the Democrats proceded to vote. Alternative B was defeated.

Rep. George Miller questioned why Democrats were the only ones willing to talk about Medicare and Social Security. Hospitals, he said, would be faced with tough choices and a doctor shortage if Medicare is not addressed.

Rep. Roy Blunt condemned all the Democrats' budget alternatives as harmful to defense and fiscally irresponsible. "It would cripple our military's ability to fight the war of the future."

"It's interesting that the Republicans are willing to complain on behalf of the defense industry but are not willing to stand up and speak about the dramaticly increased cost of health care," said Rep. Stark. "We should remember to support those who have worked to support our nation."

"Read my lips, I care about the nation's seniors." said Mike Leavitt, Secretary of Health and Human Services.

"What do you feed [seniors] when they come to your house?" asked Rep. Frank, holding up his can of dog food. Speaker Hastert threatened to call for a vote to censure.

"I remind the House that I would be as stringent toward my Republican colleagues as I am toward the Democrats," Speaker Hastert said. Rep. Frank agreed to put down the dog food.

The Democrat Alternative D failed to pass. Several House members requested correct pronunciation of their names, including Rep. Boehner, who requested his name be pronounced "Boner."

"We must make some cuts but they need to be made with precision, not with a blunt instrument," said Rep. Marcy Kaptur, calling upon the House to pass a conservative Democrat budget (Alternative B) with responsible cuts and no new taxes. "I am a Democrat, but I am also a fiscal conservative. I support a balanced budget. Today, I ask you to join me in that common purpose. Today, I ask each of you to put progress over partisanship. I ask for your aye vote."

Rep. Hunter opposed Alt. B. "I have fought for years against the scourge that is the AMT," he said. "Each day the middle class is hit harder and harder by the AMT."

The Democrats applauded vigorously for Rep. Hunter's speech.

"The House GOP budget succeeds where Alternative B fails," said Rep. Jerry Lewis. Rep. Johnson asked whether the alternative was bad for children's health insurance, and Rep. Regula asked where Rep. Lewis got that great tan.

Rep. Lewis encouraged Congressmen to visit his website for more information about his tan.

Rep. Harold Ford spoke about the importance of Amtrak.

ED NOTE: AT 4:00, WATCH FOR CONNIE AND LEFTY ON-GOING COMMENTARY. FEEL FREE TO FORWARD COMMENTS FOR THEIR CONSIDERATION .

Democratic Alternative C failed to pass despite Rep. Frank's vote in favor by saying "Aye--love old people."

Several comments were overheard during voting. Representatives Bonner and Barton questioned whether Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi has ants in her pants.

"Representative Pelosi needs to stop drinking coffee," they said. "Her patronizing pacing around the House floor is unpatriotic and unprofessional. The Republicans feel it is a passive aggressive attempt to distract from the key issues at hand – that taxes should not be raised and that defense funding is crucial for national security."

Rep. Bill Young questioned whether a mysterious bulky object in the breast pocket of Rep. Ben Cardin during his floor speech was a microphone for move-on.org.

Some Democrats were concerned about the blinking GOP buttons sported by many Republicans.

"Don't people know that rapidly blinking lights can trigger epileptic attacks?" asked Chet Edwards. "Could the republicans be any less sensitive to americans with health problems? Cutting Medicaid AND triggering seizures?! They slash crucial NASA money but then wear accoutrements that will probably attract aliens and UFOs to our vulnerable nation."

After a brief recess, Pete Stark spoke in favor of Dem. Alternative D. He first condemned Rep. Diaz-Balart's comments and "disregard for the truth" regarding Democrats' unwillingness to reach across the aisle.

Rep. Stark called upon the House to rectify the failing health care system by supporting Alternative D.

Rep. Nancy Johnson expressed her commitment to environmental issues and criticized Alt. D as bad for the environment. She said she was not proud of the Republican budget but was proud to oppose harmful Democrat alternatives.

Rep. Nita Lowey questioned how raising taxes was bad for the environment, and said the Republican party had abandoned rural America. Speaker Hastert cut her speech short when her time ended.

Rep Wally Heger pointed out that each social security recipient was supported by only 3 workers. "If we don't take significant action right now, we will lose social security."

Rep. Louise Slaughter also spoke for Democratic Alternative A, and Rep. Clay Shaw spoke against it, saying it chose taxation over thoughtful policy and making difficult choices.

Speaker Hastert reminded the House of the rules for a vote. Dem. Alternative A was defeated with all Republicans voting against, joined by Democrats Frank, Obey, and Stark. Rep. Marcy Kaptur abstained.

Rep. Ben Cardin spoke for Democratic Alternative C.

"The president and his administration are seeking to systematically destroy Social Security," Rep. Cardin said, saying they were trying to undermine the benefit and revenue program and end the program as we know it.

He condemned the "astonishly regressive" payroll tax system.

Rep. Lincoln Diaz-Balart spoke against the alternative, partly in Spanish.

"You knew when we started this that to pass a Democratic budget, you were going to need at least a few Republican votes," said Rep. Diaz-Balart. "How did you think you would get those votes without appealing to the moderate or liberal Republicans?"

Rep. Pelosi asked to respond, but Speaker Hastert refused.

"Surplussses are created by a productive America," Rep Diaz-Balart said, "not by Washington imposing new taxes."

Rep. Barney Frank spoke next. "They want to feed their grandparents dog food!" he said of Repubicans, whose budgets cut social security, forcing some seniors to chose between prescription drugs, their heating bills, and, apparently, human food.

"I am dismayed by the fact that the Democratic speeches have been extremely boring and that they are brewing coffee and have not shared," said Rep. Regula. "I am also dismayed by Barney's tone."

"Around six o'clock that dog food is going to start looking pretty good," said Speaker Hastert.

Rep. Thomas spoke against alternative C, "by my Democrat but well-meaning colleagues." He called the alternative "disgusting and reprehensible."

Democrats engaged in a flurry of deliberations during Rep. Sheley Capito's speech, and Rep. Frank raised a point of order questioning her motives.

Vice President Cheney was greeted by thunderous applause from Republicans and mysterious knocking from the Democrat side of the aisle. He called the Democrats' accusations untrue and outlined the administration's commitment to the social safety net and a strong defense.

Republicans, who were heard clapping and cheering during their preperatory meeting, caused a stir by coming late to the meeting. Democrats decried their tardiness, claiming that they were habitually tardy.



Rep. Ralph Regula began by reading a prayer, and then Rep. Joe Barton lead the House in the Pledge of Allegiance--although, curiously, he had to read it.

"As Americans, it saddens us that Rep. Barney Frank did not rise to honor the flag," said Representatives Bill Thomas and Lincoln Diaz-Balart.

Speaker Dennis Hastert outlined the rules and the agenda. Rep. Nancy Pelosi, Minority Leader, moved to change the agenda and first consider the Republican budget. It was defeated on a straight partyline vote, Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-CA) abstaining.

Rep. Pelosi spoke for Democratic Alternative A, which she said preserved Medicare, Social Security, a strong defense, and protected rural communities and working families.

"It was a Republican, Oliver Wendell Holmes, who said that taxes are the price we pay to live in a civil society," Pelosi said.

Rep. David Dreier spoke against the proposal.

"There are six Democratic budget proposals. There is one Republican budget proposal," Rep. Dreier said. "The Republicans know exactly what they stand for. What do the Democrats stand for? They have no idea. They speak about working together across the aisle, but they can't work together in their own party."

He called the alternative an eggregious abuse of American tax dollars. This is worse than Doctor Evil himself.

Rep. Jim McGovern admitted that the alternative raised one trillion dollars in taxes, but said it was only what was needed to balance the budget and reduce the national debt, a crucial move for fiscal responsibility.

"I propose we pay the costs of our American way of life," Rep. McGovern said.

Rep. Jo Bonner spoke against raising taxes and in favor of cutting spending to reduce the deficit "on this fine Sunday, the Lord's day."

"Increased taxes will be devistating to the country's economy," Rep. Bonner said, stating that they would hamper the recovery of the Gulf coast.

Rep. Barney Frank raised a point of order that Rep. Bonner's accent was inappropriate, but his objection was overruled.

Tensions are rising as Democrats and Republicans left last-minute strategy meetings and assembled for the final debate and vote on the seven budget proposals before the House.

Representatives from both sides of the aisle claim to be looking forward to the debate and confident that an agreement can be reached that benefits all Americans.

Other members were not so sanguine.

"David Dreier is gay," said Rep. Barney Frank. "He's a Republican. They feel it’s their duty to spread hate in the guise of virtue, but really they're hypocrites."

Rep. David Obey had this to say about the Vice President: "I hear Dick Cheney kicks dogs."

It's shaping up to be a thoughtful and reasonable debate.