HELP committee session full of vitriolic attacks

As the Senate HELP Committee commenced mark-up, bitter partisanship superseded legislative cooperation. The vitriol was palpable.

The Republican committee members, led by ranking member, Mike Enzi (R-Wyoming), brought up several definitional issues - accusing Democrats of deliberately inserting vagueness into legislation. Democrats, led by HELP Chairman Tom Harkin (D-IA), countered that Republicans were ignoring substantive issues to the detriment of their caucus and the American people.

The session adjourned with both sides jousting as well as jesting at each other. The political food fight seems to have no end in sight.

Republicans, however, have been making headway and hope to pass a bill soon.

"The American people deserve to have this legislation fully considered," said Senator Enzi, "the Democrats have failed to understand the consequences of their sloppy language, but we hope to propose a series of amendments to remedy the situation."

Tomorrow, the committee will continue marking up the "Big Funding Deal Act" in hopes of reaching a compromise. Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) expressed optimism about the bill's chances. But when asked if Obama is a nazi, he laughed maniacally.