Republicans block bill that would have aided victims of disability, disease, and crime

[ck4829]

You'd think this would be out of the Onion or something.

"Under a Democratic dare, Senate Republicans on Monday blocked a bill that would aid victims of torture, disability and disease, insisting the legislation would add to the deficit and demanding that Congress first act to lower soaring gas prices.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid rolled about three dozen bills into a hard-to-resist measure, dubbed it the "Advancing America's Priorities Act", and warned that its defeat would mean society's neediest would have wait until next year for the government's help.

"In the meantime there will be much suffering and mental distress as a result of not moving forward on these matters," the Nevada Democrat told his Republican colleagues. He predicted election-year consequences.

"Next time you see someone in a wheelchair at home, explain to them about how you voted against moving forward on something that may get them out of that wheelchair," he said."

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080728/ap_on_go_co/senate_showdown

For the record, Republicans voted against:

The Emmitt Till Unsolved Crime Act, aimed at investigating unsolved civil rights era crimes

The Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Act

A runaway and homeless youth bill

A bill to combat child exploitation by pornographers

A measure to create a database for Lou Gehrig's disease victims

And aid for new mothers suffering from depression

[ColbertWatcher]

1. You know what this means don't you? McCain will have an ad about how he supports it. n/t