Bush's Wins Now Could Be Trouble Later

Christmas came early for President Bush, who’s scored a slew of recent victories over the Democratic Congress. But the wins could threaten both the federal debt and some of his own pet projects, the Washington Post speculates. Bush’s steadfast opposition to tax-increasing spending measures from Democrats could push the federal deficit this fiscal year to almost $240 billion. Even some Republicans are wary.

But others insist Democrats won’t push them around. “There are 201 of us, and we will be heard,” said one House Republican. But without funds, the president’s initiatives to increase aid to poor countries, fund math and science instruction, and provide environmental tax incentives lie in the crosshairs. “It’s ridiculous,” sniped a Republican senator. “He has compromised his own position.” (More George W. Bush stories.)