Democrats reject amendment to bar Federal government subsidizing Viagra for Sex Offenders

The explanation for the Democrats votes is that they didn't want to change the reconciliation bill because they didn't want members of the House to have to vote again on the health care legislation. Unfortunately, since it is pretty clear that some changes will be made in the bill, the bill has to go back to the House and that explanation doesn't make much sense. Since the bill has to go back anyway, why not get rid of some of these really embarrassing parts of the legislation?

By 57-42, Democrats rejected an amendment by Sen. Tom Coburn, R-Okla., barring federal purchases of Viagra and other erectile dysfunction drugs for sex offenders. Coburn said it would save millions, while Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., called it "a crass political stunt." . . .