"Business as usual," scoffed Sen. John McCain, as he ripped the billions in extras stuffed into the measure that was designed to fund the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

One provision that really aggravated McCain and other Republicans was a four month, $1 billion "Cash for Clunkers" measure, designed to give consumers a $3500 to $4500 incentive to trade in their cars for more fuel efficient vehicles.

"Why do we need another bailout for the auto industry?" McCain asked in a mocking voice.

The Cash for Clunkers provision was almost stripped out of the bill on Thursday by GOP critics, who came within one vote of victory.

Why did they lose? Because four Republicans broke ranks and voted with Democrats to preserve the provision on a procedural rules challenge, as Bond of Missouri, Voinovich of Ohio, Enzi of Wyoming and Collins of Maine provided the crucial votes for Democrats.

The irony wasn't lost on me.

There was John McCain, back in his usual role of budget crusader, once more making a speech just before a bill filled with billions in extras is approved by the Congress, getting submarined by members of his own party.

This is the same John McCain who wasn't good enough for many conservatives in his own party last year. The same John McCain who has been maybe the most faithful opponent of the budget excesses of both parties.

But he wasn't good enough for his own party in 2008. I wonder how many of those who didn't vote him might change their mind if there was an election between McCain and Obama in November of 2009?

McCain cited one extra in the bill, $49 million to repair hurricane damage at an Army Ammunition Plant in Mississippi, which was backed by both GOP Senators from that state.

McCain said the Army had told key Senators that - get this one - that there was 'no' hurricane damage at the plant that needed to be repaired. But the money is going there anyway.

"So we're going to spend $49 million to repair a plant that doesn't need to be repaired - and no valid military requirement exists for the funding," McCain said on the Senate floor.

This bill started off at $83 billion in the first White House request and ballooned to $106 billion.

Just another example here on spending of "Business as Usual.