Hey, good news finally! The Dems in the House have decided that the days of tax cuts with no way of getting the money back are over, as the “pay as you go” principles have been adopted.

Under the new provisions, the House will for the first time in years be required to pay for any proposal to cut taxes or increase spending on the most expensive federal programs by raising taxes or cutting spending elsewhere. And lawmakers will be required to disclose the sponsors of earmarks, which are attached in virtual secrecy to legislation to direct money to favored interests or home-district projects.

…

“It’s important that they passed a pay-go rule because they’re setting a standard for themselves. This is a way of saying ‘There’s a new sheriff in town’ and ‘We’re going to be fiscally responsible,’ ” said Robert L. Bixby, executive director of the Concord Coalition, an advocacy group dedicated to deficit reduction. “But, now, they’re going to have to figure out how to live up to that standard. And that’s going to be pretty tough.”

Easy? Maybe not. Important? Hell yes. I feel a little vindicated now.