Dems Relent on Spending Bill

House Democratic leaders surrendered to pressure from the White House on a wide-ranging domestic spending bill yesterday, dropping demands for $22 billion in additional funding, the Washington Post reports. That still may not be enough for Republicans, who are talking about a possible veto because the bill—$936.5 billion when defense spending is counted—remains $3.7 billion over the president's spending limit.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi tried to put the best spin on the climbdown, claiming that the final bill will reflect "the president's number, our priorities." She said Democrats would try to shift money away from some of Bush's priorities to items such as children's health programs, heating assistance for the poor, and health care for veterans. (More House Appropriations Committee stories.)