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.