Paul Starr explains why it's a bad idea to tinker with Social Security now- even if the solution is to raise the payroll tax.

Last night, the House passed the Labor/HHS-MilCon/VA package by 269-142 (roll call). That's not quite enough to override a veto, but 22 members didn't vote, half of whom were Democrats who'd almost certainly support the bill. So only five or so Republican "nay" votes stand between a veto override and more gridlock. Now the action's in the Senate. There's some chance the package could be split apart, which could mean it will take even longer to send this bill to the President.

Roughing the passer, on CQ. That's a 15-yard penalty for this lede ($):

CQ Alerts us that: House-Senate conferees agreed on a $459.3 billion Defense spending measure for fiscal 2008 (HR 3222) that includes a continuing resolution to temporarily fund all government operations after Nov. 16 but does not include funds for military operations in Iraq. November 6, 2007 House Senate Conf. Cmte. President Cmte. Floor $ Agriculture 18.8 18.7 $ Commerce-Justice- Science 53.6 54.6 54.6 Defense 459.6 459.6 459.6 459.3 $ Energy & Water 31.6 32.3 Financial Services 21.4 21.8 $ Homeland Security 36.3