That’s going to be a much much worse outcome than just letting the tomatoes go splat where there fall and mopping up when they’re done (if I may abuse metaphor).

Patches are never the best idea, particularly in law. The unintended consequences will be gargantuan. Everyone will try to sneak their pet provisions in, and some will make it, whatever the larger impact.

Pre-written ‘to-go’ bills (see the USA PATRIOT Act) that are basically wish-lists for tiny special interests will slip through without discussion, and the thorny bits and deliberately vague language will confound everyone (yet the lawyers will always get paid) for years to come.

Don’t make a deal. Let what’s to expire expire, and then see what’s worth fixing. Hasn’t anyone in Congress ever tried to move house with friends and van? Sometimes things are worth it, but they’re not worth moving…

Ah well. No last-minute patches, please.

Jon