by Farrah Balanced

Tensions are rising in the House with the expected release of the Bush administration’s budget at the day’s end. While early calls for an open hearing stirred debate, both Republicans and Democrats can now only wait for the release of the budget.

Vice President Cheney has expressed the administration’s commitment to maintain America’s strength while cutting wasteful spending, reducing the deficit without raising taxes. Republican leadership in the House seems confident that the administration’s budget will reflect their priorities.

“I am committed, along with my colleagues in the House, to passing a budget that is fiscally responsible and secures America's future,” Speaker Dennis Hastert said. “I know that President Bush as well as the Democrats share these goals and will work to cut wasteful spending, increase government efficiency and spur economic growth.”

Some Democrats question whether the administration can meet its goal of reducing the deficit without compromising health, safety, and education of Americans.

“Our foremost priority in this legislative session is enacting a responsible budget that protects the jobs, education and health care of working Americans while reaffirming the commitments we have made to seniors and our men and women in uniform,” said Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi.

A recent Fox poll showed the president’s approval rating at 36%, with 53% disapproval. One House Democrat questioned the administration’s ability to push their budget through the House in their weakened political position.

“I hope the administration will live up to their promise to cut the deficit in half and not ‘play politics’ with the budget,” Rep. John Murtha (D-PA) said. “My budget priorities are the same as those of all my democratic colleagues—to ensure that hard working Americans, particularly those working in service to our nation, are safe, sound and secure.”

Although Senate Republicans have shown signs of fracturing, sources within the House GOP say they remain unified in their basic priorities and confidence in the administration’s budget.

“House Republicans are working hard to create a secure and prosperous future for all Americans through eliminating wasteful spending, reducing the national deficit, and relieving tax burdens for working people,” said Rep. Jim Nussel (R-Iowa), Chair of the House Budget Committee. “We are confident that the Administration shares our goals.”

Representatives from both sides of the aisle expect national security to be an administration priority.

“I am committed to ensuring that our men and women in uniform have the resources they need to protect our country, and that our brave veterans are given a level of care commensurate with the sacrifices they have made to serve our country,” said Rep. Bill Young (R-FL). “The Bush administration has consistently demonstrated its commitment to keeping our country safe, and I hope that trend will continue in the forthcoming budget.”

Earlier in the week, the administration rebuffed requests by Democrats for a hearing on their budget prior to its release. Some Democrats wondered if their refusal signaled an unwillingness to compromise in upcoming budget negotiations.

“I find it very unusual that I am being denied the opportunity to comment on the budget in this formal process,” said Chet Edwards (D-TX). “I know that there are many middle of the road Congressman, and to ignore us is very telling.”

Members of both parties say they look forward to a vigorous debate.