Congress Implodes Over Jack Murtha's Iraq Pullout Proposal; Fortunately, They Still Found Time To Vote Themselves A $3,100 Raise

With the White House coming apart at the seams, I always thought "well, that's why we have a congress." And then you see the Republican-dominated House acting like chimps on a feces-flinging rampage.

Democrats erupted in fury when House GOP leaders maneuvered the house into a politically-charged vote on Congressman Jack Murtha's call for the withdrawal of troops from Iraq. This was swiftly voted down after much malignant speechifying. The house voted 403-3 against the measure (with 22 non-votes).

While Murtha proposed a redeployment timetable "as soon as practical," the GOP twisted this into an immediate withdrawal and then forced the pointless vote. There was much mudslinging, yelling, and hand-wringing throughout the night.

Congress was able to get through one important piece of business: They gave themselves a $3,100 pay raise Friday, and then shelved work on bills to curb spending on social programs. Oh, and they also cut the food stamp budget by $700 million.

Don't worry folks. . .they'll be back in two weeks, after a relaxing Thangsgiving break. They will then work a couple of weeks before taking time off for Christmas.
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