GOP Leaders Try to Soothe Conservatives

WaPo reported Squeezed between a conservative clamor for spending cuts and the rising cost of hurricane relief, Republican congressional leaders will respond this week with a public relations offensive to win over angry conservatives -- but no substantive changes in budget policy.

I would rather see a change in policy, and no public relations offensive

Republican lawmakers and leadership aides conceded that the wholesale budget cuts envisioned by House conservatives are not being contemplated; the Senate is moving toward approving a temporary expansion of Medicaid for hurricane survivors, estimated to cost $9 billion. Nor are GOP leaders considering tax increases.

I am glad they are not looking at a tax increase, which would slow the economy and result in less money to the treasury.

And Hurricane Rita's blow to a politically sensitive region of Texas could add more pressure to spend. "Many communities, faith-based entities and the state of Texas have drained assets to save lives and help with the enormous multi-state national emergency, and they will need reimbursement to avoid massive financial failures," warned Rep. Louie Gohmert, a freshman Republican whose hard-hit East Texas district was drawn with the help of House Majority Leader Tom DeLay (R-Tex.) to take it from Democratic control.

I dont mind spending money to save lives, and I support reimbursement of those that spent money on that, including the faith based organizations, but I dont support spending one penny to try to increase the levees and floodwalls to protect an area that is 7 to 15 feet below sea level. Protect the French Quarter, the business district, and the houses built on land above sea level, and turn the rest into Lake Orleans.