No Way to Fund a Country
Here we are again, edging toward the end of 2007 and the Congress and the President still haven’t finalized most federal agency budgets. In fact, they’ve only completed one – defense dept. The government is limping along on “continuing resolutions” aimed at keeping programs going and avoiding government shut down. What’s the problem? Why does this keep happening?
The challenges in forging agreements between Congress and the White House are not new. Many individual appropriations bills have not been enacted over the course of decades. From my perspective, what makes the problem so difficult this year is the “my way or the highway” approach that the White House has taken. No matter that the country spoke last year and elected Democrats to majorities in the House and Senate and no matter that President Bush is a lame duck entering his last year of office. He continues to push his ideological agenda of increasing war spending and cutting domestic programs. Democrats, on the other hand, are pressing for programs they believe are important. Yet, it is they who are being forced to back down and give in. Where are the checks and balances in that?
Until we have a meeting of minds, or at least serious negotiations and compromise, many critical programs will continue in uncertainty. People without heat need help, farmers need drought assistance, more people need housing and food and veterans need ongoing medical services. This is what the Congress and White House can’t agree on. Doesn’t make sense that the President won’t support necessary funding for these programs.
In this season of hope and charity, let us encourage our elected officials to think beyond political rhetoric and do what’s right and necessary for the health and well-being of all our citizens.
Diane
