Earlier today, the House passed a second stimulus bill, which would pump $56 billion into the economy through public works and infrastructure projects (including green infrastructure), as well as unemployment insurance, food stamps, weatherizing low-income homes, and healthcare funding for states.

A few hours ago, Senate Republicans blocked the bill with the threat of a filibuster. (Here’s the roll call.)

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$700 billion for Wall Street? No problem. $56 billion for ordinary Americans? Hellz no.

Doesn’t really matter, since the White House pledged to veto it anyway. Why? According to spokesflack Dana Perino, "The food stamps, we believe we have met the need."

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I hardly know what to say any more. Here’s Sen. Dick Durbin’s reaction: “The Republicans have no interest in helping those as the bottom of the ladder.”