Ackerman sharpens tongue on tax-cut deal

President Barack Obama's tax-cut deal with Republicans brought out the acerbic best in Rep. Gary Ackerman (D-Roslyn Heights).

On Wednesday he said, "I disagree that we didn't get anything. We got screwed."

Thursday, speaking about Republicans and the DREAM Act, he told MSNBC:

"They get the Democrats to add to the deficit. They get all the benefits for their wealthiest friends in America to pay them off for their huge contributions that they made during the campaign and got an exemption from the U.S. Supreme Court. The whole thing is an absolute absurdity."

Friday, he noted Republicans are congratulating Obama: "If they're complimenting him, there's something wrong here."

- Tom Brune

in Washington