The point is that no matter what Republicans do regarding taxes--even when they retreat from cuts--they will be attacked for not protecting Social Security. They may as well do what's right.

Cincuenta y Uno
Despite worries that it would slip into the budget bill, pro-statehood legislation for Puerto Rico is dead for this year. The battle is far from won, however: In less than seven weeks (Dec. 13), Puerto Ricans will vote in a referendum on their island's status. If a mere plurality supports statehood, Congressional supporters are sure to return next year with a stronger effort to make Puerto Rico the 51st state.

Meanwhile, House Speaker Newt Gingrich has come out with his strongest statement in support of statehood yet. In the October issue of Hispanic magazine, he says: "The people of Puerto Rico ultimately have to decide [how they will vote in the referendum], but I hope they ultimately decide on statehood."

Puerto Rican statehood would almost certainly cut into Gingrich's threadbare GOP majority. Six or seven new Democrats in the House would undo half the 10-15 seat pickup most Republicans hope for in the November elections.

Bilingual Boosters
Buried in the budget is a 7 per cent increase in federal funding for bilingual education.