Oregon politicians are looking for ways to replace a shortfall in federal Head Start funding. This East Portland Head Start program looks like the last place you'd expect a visit from politicians. Three- and four-year-olds are drawing pictures and practicing songs. A few months ago, they might have seemed all but forgotten. The president of the National Head Start Association, Sarah Greene, called a press conference in June to press Congress for money.

Rep. Jim Cooper (D-TN)’s article in Roll Call today points out that “The Financial Report of the United States,” a document so embarrassing to the While House that it published only 2,100 copies this year, reveals a true accounting of the deficit -— one that encompasses veterans’ benefits, civil service retirement, Social Security, and Medicare. Cooper notes that a partial unmasking of the true extent of the nation’s financial condition was mandated this summer, when:

As Congress nears its target adjournment date of Sept. 29, the odds of its passing more than a small handful of the outstanding FY 2007 spending bills are lengthening. Congressional procrastination means that passage of a continuing budget resolution will be necessary to keep the government operating when the 2007 fiscal year begins on Oct. 1, followed by a (probably lame-duck) omnibus spending package comprising appropriations bills uncompleted before the end of the year. These conference reports and omnibus packages are notorious vehicles for feather-bedding earmarks.

Here's our summary of the House's new rule on earmark disclosure.