President Bush's budget is foundering in the House and it's becoming clear that it's chances in the Senate are declining as well. CQ Today's Midday Update (free email service) has the story aboud the effects of the Smith Amendment:

Senate GOP leaders and the White House today were trying to stem a tide of support for a budget amendment that would keep Medicaid off the chopping block and deal a blow to their efforts to reduce entitlement spending. The amendment, to be offered later this week by Gordon H. Smith, R-Ore., would eliminate budget orders to the Finance Committee to make $15 billion in mandatory spending cuts over five years, with $14 billion of that coming from Medicaid. If adopted, it would reduce the Senate's entitlement savings from $32 billion to $17 billion. The House resolution calls for $69 billion in cuts from mandatory spending programs. House Budget Chairman Jim Nussle, R-Iowa, said today the two chambers could be headed for another impasse like last year's. "I'm not sure how we get a conference with the Senate with the product where they're at," Nussle said. "This is going to be very difficult. Last year they were at least trying. This year I think they almost gave up before they started the process."

How can a party in firm control of the White House, Senate and House not be able to pass a budget? More importantly, should the American people continue to support a party that is unable to pass a budget despite controlling all aspects of the process?