When it comes to consuming money, Congress often resembles one of those old monster movies. Lacking the right set of controls, the mad scientist's creation morphs into a ravenous beast.
Hence, our relief to see Dallas GOP Rep. Jeb Hensarling secure the votes to pressure the Democrats running the House. Mr. Hensarling has lined up enough House Republicans to sustain a presidential veto of any spending bill that exceeds the Bush budget request for 2008.
Mr. Bush asked for $932 billion for the traditional functions of government, like defense, roads, law enforcement, schools and health care. (The rest of the $2.9 trillion budget goes to entitlement programs like Social Security and Medicare that Washington can do little to control.)
The Hensarling team wants to ensure that the hefty Bush budget request doesn't morph into the Creature that Devoured Fiscal Responsibility.
Democrats already have gone beyond the $932 billion with their own spending plans. And Wisconsin's Dave Obey, the Democratic chairman of the money pipeline otherwise known as the House Appropriations Committee, acknowledges that House members of both parties have requested some 32,000 special items be funded in this budget.
Yes, you read that right: 32,000 special items – known around Washington as earmarks. Not all will pass, but enough could worm their way in to significantly expand that $932 billion balloon.
Mr. Hensarling and his 146 objecting fellow Republicans believe they have the muscle to control some of the excess. By reminding Democrats that they have enough votes to sustain a veto, they force Democratic leaders like Mr. Obey to keep things in check.
They also put Republicans on alert. Mr. Hensarling rightly points out that his party had a poor record controlling spending when it ran Congress.
The best course would be for both parties to do some old-fashioned negotiating. President Bush indicated that he prefers that course before he slams down a veto. Still, it's good that the Hensarling 147 hold a lethal weapon against Godzilla-sized spending.
