Just a short while ago, the Senate approved by voice vote this morning an extension through December 17 of the current continuing resolution (CR) funding the federal government. Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-LA) did not object to the voice vote, but went on record as voting no on the CR to highlight the plight of many still recoverying from the hurricanes on the Gulf Coast. It is still unclear what this accomplished for the people of Gulf Coast.

Late last night, GOP leaders in the House were able to strong-arm enough moderate Republicans to support their long-delaysed and radical spending cuts bill. The bill passed 217 - 215, with unanimous opposition from Democrats and Independents, and 14 Republicans. OMB Watch Executive Director Gary Bass released the following statement after the vote:

Sen. Kent Conrad (D-ND) gave an exceptional floor speech this morning on the tax reconciliation bill. His speech highlighted one theme: paying for the tax cuts Or in general, government spending). Whether or not one agrees with cutting taxes, it is especially egregious for members of Congress (and the President) to be pushing through tax cuts and extensions year after year and, rather than propose a way to pay for this spending, simply tack it on to the deficit.

Both the House and Senate will be holding important votes today on reconciliation bills. The House Rules Committee met this morning at 7 AM and decided to bring the budget reconciliation measure to the floor today. It is still unclear whether the leadership has the votes to pass the $54 billion bill. This vote is extremely important, and lies in the hands of Republican moderates. Rep. Mike Pence (R-IN), chairman of the radically conservative Republican Study Committee, himself said that the "Republican revolution is over," if the House does not pass this reconciliation measure.