Hot flash -- Sen. Torricelli of NJ announced his opposition to the generic G.O.P. Balanced Budget Amendment. If senators maintain their announced positions, the amendment cannot pass the Senate. It was in even more trouble in the House, so conditions for killing it good in this Congress look excellent. There are lots of substitute BBA amendments whose virtue is in their multiplicity. They give Members something to vote for which can't be drafted (e.g., allowing for capital budget and anti- recession exceptions) or which won't pass (Social Security exemption; knock on wood). Thanks to all who signed the petition. Now if we can just get rid of enough idiots in Congress, always a challenge, we won't have to do this again in two years. MBS =================================================== Max B. Sawicky Economic Policy Institute [EMAIL PROTECTED] 1660 L Street, NW 202-775-8810 (voice) Ste. 1200 202-775-0819 (fax) Washington, DC 20036 Opinions above do not necessarily reflect the views of anyone associated with the Economic Policy Institute. ===================================================
