Obey remembers Russert, blasts Bush

House Appropriations Chair Dave Obey says voters who thought there wasn't a dime's difference between the two parties should examine the $40 billion shifted from George Bush's priorities to the nation's priorities in the new Democratic Congress.

"In 144 days we will change the direction of this country by electing Barack Obama to replace the most befuddled and disastrous president in American history," Obey said. "He has been stiffing not only the Congress but the American people as well."

The longtime 7th CD U.S. Rep. ran through a laundry list of government programs, particularly in education, health care and medical research, targeted for cuts or elimination by the Bush Administration.

He also blasted the Iraq War not just for its administration, but for the lack of shared sacrifice by the nation as a whole. He called for fully funding the G.I. Bill and providing health care for life for veterans.

Obey opened his speech with a moment of silence for NBC News' Tim Russert, who passed away earlier today.

"It is a body blow to this entire country," Obey said of Russert's death. "Tim was one of those newsmen who maintained a devotion to delivering hard news."


-- By Andy Szal