I’ve urged my (D) rep to vote no, too. Doubt it will do any good ... he must be getting some similar input, though. Here’s an update from his webpage:
Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Frank Kratovil voted twice to strip wasteful spending form a proposed economic stimulus package that the House is planning to take up tomorrow afternoon.
First, Congressman Kratovil voted against the rule that establishes the process by which the stimulus package will be considered on the House floor. Congressman Kratovil was one of 16 Democrats who voted against this rule.
The Congressman then voted against a measure designating the stimulus legislation as an “emergency,” thereby allowing the legislation to avoid “Pay-Go” requirements. “Pay-Go” requires that all expenditures are somehow offset in order to keep budgets balanced and not saddle our children and grandchildren with even higher levels of national debt. Congressman Kratovil was one of 27 Democrats to vote against the “emergency” designation.
Congressman Kratovil released the following statement today about his efforts to rein in spending.
“A stimulus package of this unimaginable size needs to be met with the reality that a recovery and reinvestment plan is an extraordinary response to an extraordinary crisis. It is not an opportunity to abandon fiscal discipline in lieu wasteful spending. The plan includes projects to the tune of $200 million to rebuild the National Mall and $50 million in funding for the National Endowment of the Arts. Although these may be admirable causes, they certainly are not emergencies and should not be lumped in with legitimate efforts to strengthen our economy and get people back to work. Our economy is in crisis, and it’s going to take a combination of tough choices and fiscal responsibility to give it the boost it needs. ”
-Rep. Frank Kratovil
McCotter speaking now.
“The Congressman then voted against a measure designating the stimulus legislation as an “emergency,” thereby allowing the legislation to avoid “Pay-Go” requirements. “Pay-Go” requires that all expenditures are somehow offset in order to keep budgets balanced and not saddle our children and grandchildren with even higher levels of national debt. Congressman Kratovil was one of 27 Democrats to vote against the “emergency” designation.”
EVERY “BLUE-DOG” WHO VOTED TO SUSPEND “PAY-GO” IS A BIG FAT HYPOCRITE.
And I certainly hope no Republican voted for suspending pay-go on this boondoggle.