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."