Early Anger For The Agreement

By Patrick O'Connor

(The Politico)  The House opened Sunday with a string of one-minute tirades about the tentative agreement congressional negotiators brokered hours earlier with administration.

None of the speechmakers - from liberal Oregon Democrat Peter DeFazio to conservative New Jersey Republican Scott Garrett - was expected to back the financial markets rescue plan, so their remarks are an inaccurate metric to chart support for the bill.

"It does not do what the American people are asking to do, and that is protect their tax dollars," said Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.).

But this string of angry remarks speaks to the deep misgivings lawmakers on either side of the aisle harbor for this unfinished legislation. Leaders in both parties will have to overcome these outspoken arguments against the $700 billion rescue plan in their efforts to corral support for the measure among undecided rank-and-file lawmakers.