Dual Tracks

(Dual Tracks)

Of all the programming on the Smithsonian Channel, Air Disasters has been one of the more popular. As the name suggests, famous aircraft incidents are re-created using computer generated imagery. There is a cast, and assessments of why the mishap occurred. A few weeks ago, an episode of "Air Disasters" went to ground level and described the collision of two trains. One had been a freight haul, and the other had been an AMTRAC. The two "conductors" on the freight train. one in the engine and the other in the caboose, were both asleep. The engineer might have had a debilitating episode but, in any event, a switching was missed and no one was able to prevent the disaster. There were casualties.


As of last night, the Republican-led House passed, but without the unanimity of the entire Conference, the "Limit, Save, and Grow Act "passed" out of the Chamber 217-215. Four Republicans joined all Democrats in opposing the measure. Their reasons are varied but, going forward, as the House Republicans will need to stand united to reverse the green policy positions taken by the President and Senate Democrats.


It is not lost on anybody that the Republican Bill has no chance in the Senate. That is not necessarily the point. Each Republican bill will need to be voted on in the Upper Body, placing all Senators on record. And it could also be said that, if Senator Manchin wishes to put money apparently where his mouth seems to be. he could cross the Aisle and vote for Republican Bills and. assuming the rest of the Senate GOP holds firm, Republican measures could actually pass both Chambers and only President Biden could veto.


For his part, the President does not seem to be comprehending how he has no position with which to negotiate with Speaker McCarthy. Biden cannot pretend that the Republican LSG is not now fact and still insist that the Debt Ceiling can be increased un-conditionally. As long as Republicans hold all the cards, however, it will be the GOP, House and possibly in the Senate, that could set parameters going forward.

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