Just a quick observation -
With all of the whining from the GOP about how they didn't get enough input on the bill, how they weren't allowed to add their priorities and their constant combing of the bill to point out "silly" spending they don't agree with, what are they REALLY SAYING?
Could it be that what they REALLY want is a return to the Bush years and an opportunity to load these bill with the earmarks, earmarks and MORE earmarks like they used to do? Are their corporate paymasters upset that they aren't being guaranteed the carve-outs and no-bid contracts that they've come to rely on?
I'd bet that if the bill was opened up to such earmarks, all of a sudden you would have the GOP flipping their votes after much backroom wrangling to "buy" their votes with earmarks to their districts/donors. Just like the way he Medicare drug bill was passed even though it was the largest entitlement increase ever, and it turned out to be much more expensive than they originally let on!