Nelson says he'll vote no on budget bill (Dem-Ne)

[Omaha Steve]

Published Tuesday
December 20, 2005

Nelson says he'll vote no on budget bill

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Sen. Ben Nelson, D-Neb., said he has changed his mind and will not vote for the deficit-reduction bill.

Nelson, considered a swing vote on the contentious bill that would cut some federal benefits and trim budget deficits by $40 billion, said Tuesday that the legislation doesn't cut spending. Rather, he said, it unfairly shifts the burden of paying for federally mandated programs to the states.



Sen. Ben Nelson

"It makes no sense to cut programs in Washington just to force state and local governments to make up for it," Nelson said in a conference call to reporters. "This is not balanced budgeting, and it's irresponsible."

Vice President Dick Cheney on Tuesday cut short a diplomatic trip overseas to return home to be a tiebreaker for the bill, seen as one of the Bush administration's top priorities.

Nelson was among two Democrats who voted for the Senate version of the bill when it passed 52-47 last month, and he was considered a swing vote this week. He said the Senate version was more balanced, but the House one was "unacceptable."

The bill returned form House-Senate negotiations with stiffer cuts to the Medicaid health care program for the poor and disabled.

Full story: http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_pg=54&u_sid=2085781

[MaineDem]

1. That's a relief (nt)

[maddezmom]

2. wow

good news. Guess this is why Cheney is on his way back from his mid-east visit ASAP.

[AX10]

3. Thanks for the support Senator.

The bill is a sham and he knows it!

[TheFarseer]

4. This was also posted on our state forum

and I'll say the same thing I said there: he's just saying to the GOP "show me the money" We're going to need some massive pork in Nebraska if you want my vote, said Ben

[0rganism]

5. Having Nelson oppose a GOP bill is like winning the lottery!

Oh, happy day!

[rodeodance]

6. just heard the vote was delayed till tomorrow (and Cheney is on his back

to break any tie), msnbc reported this.

[MaineDem]

7. Love your freudean slip

At least I assume it's slip.

Cheney on his back. :evilgrin: Crashcart.

[mom cat]

8. You must be an eternal optimist!

[AlCzervik]

9. omg someone get me to my fainting couch!!!