Daily Briefing: "Style Can Lead To Substance"
•Chairman of House Budget Committee speaks of presidential veto to approve spending: "Is it possible that, depending on exactly how these bills come forward, that the V-word might be used for the first time in this administration's tenure?" (Tee hee! Oh. Nebbermind.) [ NYT ]
• Bushsays tight budget represents wartime sacrifice, but many Republicans are slow to sign on.Peterson(R-Pa.): "Those who are currently advocating these draconian cuts [in farm subsidies] would not be in office today if it weren't for rural America." [ WP , LAT ]
• Ricecalls for "new chapter" in transatlantic relations: "America stands ready to work with Europe on our common agenda, and Europe must stand ready to work with America." Diplomat: "There was no change in substance, but there was a change in style -- and style can lead to substance." [ WP , WP , NYT , USAT ]
•Questions toRiceat forum were screened. [ WP ]
•White House upwardly revises cost of Medicare drug benefit program to $1.2t over 10 years, more than doubleMark McClellan's recent projections; several lawmakers complain Viagra, Levitra, et al are covered. [ WP , NYT ]
•GAO predicts budget will lead to permanent deficits in next 10 years: "Continuing on this unsustainable fiscal path will gradually erode, if not suddenly damage, our economy, our standard of living and, ultimately, our national security." [ WT ]
• Rove, promoted to deputy White House chief of staff, gains larger role in organization and policy. [ WP , NYT , LAT , WT , USAT ]
•Some conservatives concernedBush's budget means big government.Pence: Bush's "vision has resulted in education and welfare policies that have increased the size and scope of government." [ WP ]
•Budget significantly reduces Transportation Security Administration; seeks consolidation of programs and travel records. [ WP ]
•Projections of Social Security plan based on optimistic outlook for stocks. [ WP , NYT ]
• Reidto White House: can't knock me down. [ NYT ]
•Americans are against most changes to Social Security, says Gallup poll. [ USAT ]
•Congress begins consideration of bills designed to limit class-action suits and "frivolous" litigation. [ LAT ]
• Bushendorses plan for African American history museum on Mall; effort underway to build Republican support in black community. [ WP , WT ]
•Smooth criminal and conservative legal group snaredClintonsin web of deceit. [ NYT ]
• Spellingsto target high schools for reform. [ WT ]