The U.S. House Republican Caucus -- the same people who held open votes for hours and hours so members could be strongarmed bribed convinced to vote with leadership -- is refusing to come to work after a fracas over a vote last night.

The House was in disarray this morning after angry Republicans marched off the floor late last night over manuvering by Democratic leaders that cost them a parlimentary victory on legislation involving agricultural spending. GOP lawmakers marched out about 11 p.m. last night and have not returned since, throwing into uncertainty an agenda that today was to include important votes on a massive energy bill, a defense spending bill and terrorist surveillance legislation before Congress leaves on its summer recess tomorrow. It was unclear by midday when, or if, Republicans would return. Rep. Patrick McHenry (N.C.), a Republican insurgent, this morning called Democrats "cheaters," prompting a new eruption.

And they wonder why the American people decided they'd had enough of Republican rule.

Call Rep. Todd Tiahrt at (202) 225-6216 or Jerry Moran at (202) 225-2715 and tell them to do their jobs.

One of the biggest factors in a child's success in school and in life is his or her health. If a child's family doesn't have the money to get access to health care, that child is likely to be less healthy and, as a result, less successful.That's why there's a bipartisan push in Washington to expand the initiative that provides children from low-income families with health coverage (it's known as HealthWave in Kansas.)Reps. Dennis Moore and Nancy Boyda both voted to increase the number of kids that are covered. Jerry Moran and Todd Tiahrt told the kids "no," as did Sam Brownback who actually managed to show up to vote for once.But in one ray of sunshine, Sen. Pat Roberts voted for the Senate's proposal to expand children's health insurance. (Don't say we never write anything nice about Republicans.)President Bush has vowed to veto any expansion of children's health insurance, meaning there will need to be an override attempt once Congress sends him the final bill and once he tells America's kids to "toughen up and walk it off."