Washington lawmakers will weigh this week whether to push toward a budget compromise that would end their final numbers showdown with President Clinton, The Associated Press reported this morning.

Tuesday, December 05, 2000

Washington lawmakers will weigh this week whether to push toward a budget compromise that would end their final numbers showdown with President Clinton, The Associated Press reported this morning.

At odds are billions of dollars in education, health and labor programs. Some $1 billion to $2 billion could get trimmed, according to anonymous sources.

Yes, a compromise could end the standoff, returning the government to full working order for at least another year.

We wonder, though, will it be worth it? What programs will disappear in the billion-dollar compromise?

Budget battles must be waged, yet it’s not always dollars that hang in the balance. Congressional leaders – both Republican and Democrat – should pause to remember that.