Four U.S. Senators sent a letter to Finance Committee Chair Charles Grassley (R-IA) yesterday, requesting that he "indefinitely delay consideration" of addressing entitlement cuts in reconciliation this year. The letter mentioned how important it is not to cut "numerous programs available to help meet basic needs," such as food stamps, Medicaid, housing and education. Notably, two Republican Senators, Gordon Smith (R-OR) and Olympia Snowe (R-ME) sent this letter, along with Sen. Jeff Bingaman (D-AZ) and Blanche Lincoln (D-AR). While it is important that these Senators are standing up to protect these important programs in a time of extreme need, it is sad that it took a national tragedy of such large scale in order for many to recognize the importance of strong and well-funded social safety net programs.