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.