Feel The Compassion

Later today, the Senate is expected to snuff out a filibuster [1] and approve more health insurance for kids.

But the bill is not likely get the 67 votes needed to overcome President Bush's threatened veto. Obstruction still reigns. [2]

Bush and other congressional conservatives appear unmoved by last week's oped from his former director of Faith-Based Initiatives, John Dilulio [3] (via Talking Points Memo [4]), who charges Bush with contradicting his campaign themes of "compassionate conservatism," and reports that several Republicans -- including "former Bush advisers," governors and Senators -- are begging Bush to drop the veto threat.

But CQ (sub. req'd) [5] finds that conservative opposition to healthy children is stiffening: "Spurred by President Bush ... Republicans are fighting the legislation every step of the way, especially in the House."

Bush isn't running for re-election, so there's no need for him to fake the compassion anymore.

And he appears to have enough conservatives willing to go to the mat, and prevent Congress [2] from heeding the public will and doing right by our kids.