Just in case you were so focused on Iraq that you missed the news or saw the stories but failed to connect them:
o The US Senate approved $14 billion in tax breaks for oil and natural gas companies to spur energy production, along with a little money to spur conservation. In doing so, it rejected Sen. John McCain’s attempt to kill the subsidies. He said the bill was a "shameless scam," that the industry is profitable enough to do the job on its own.
The vote was 85-13, meaning almost as many Democrats as Republicans liked the idea. And our own Pete Domenici said, "I’m really pleased."
o Medicare officials said managed care companies will get a bump of at least 6.6% in payments in 2005, so they will stay in the business of insuring and caring for Medicare patients. Medicare already pays HMOs 7% more than it costs to treat patients in traditional Medicare.
o By a single vote, the Senate rejected extending unemployment benefits. Sen. Kerry was absent. Pete Domenici voted "No."