They've got the perfect complement in a Senator.


Oklahoma Sen. Tom Coburn has blocked consideration of a food safety
bill that would give the Food and Drug Administration more power to
prevent foodborne illness.

The legislation would give the agency more power to recall tainted
products, increase inspections of food processors and require
producers to follow stricter standards for keeping food safe. Coburn,
a Republican, says he is objecting because the bill is not paid for.

Republicans say Democrats could get around Coburn's objections by
voting to end debate on the bill, which would require 60 votes. The
legislation passed the House last year and has strong bipartisan
support. A spokeswoman for Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada
said Democrats should not have to resort to such procedural moves.