The Republicans' Fiscal Shtick

Amidst all the talk of Iraq and the Petraeus report, keep in mind that we're heading for a budget showdown. It's over fairly small change--$22 billion in discretionary spending out of nearly a $1 trillion. But the Bush administration is using the amount to threaten the veto of several appropriation biulls. Congress has until October 1 to pass these bills. There will be a government shutdown if the bills or a continuing resolution on spending isn't passed. It's telling that the Republicans are planning a conference on these fiscal issues this week. . They see a winning issue that can unite their fractured party. Faux outrage is what I'd call it. After passing mammoth spending bills for years, they've suddenly found religion on fiscal discipline? Please. In any event, I think we probably will get a shutdown.