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."