House vote on stimulus imminent, Update: All GOPers, seven Dems vote no
posted at 1:21 pm on February 13, 2009 by Allahpundit
They’re in the last throes of grandstanding on the House floor as I write this. ETA for the roll: 1:30 p.m. sharp, safely ahead of Madam Speaker’s departure time for that flight to Rome. Whew.
You can watch live at C-SPAN1. The Senate vote is tentatively scheduled for 5 p.m., but Roll Call says they may hold it open for hours afterwards in case they don’t hit the magic number of 60 on their first shot. Exit question: Does any House Republican dare vote for this crap sandwich? Phone numbers and e-mail addresses to come in an update, if so!
Update: Here’s a reassuring prognosis from Emanuel Cleaver, via Drudge: “Regardless of party, we all cast our votes with one hand and crossed our fingers with the other.”
Update: The line held. It passes 246-183, with all 176 Republicans (and seven Democrats) voting against. One Democrat voted “present.” A tribute to The One, perchance?
Blowback
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Her henchman Jack Murtha helped her win the vote for Minority Leader back when the GOP held the House. Her main opponent was Steny Hoyer.
There is no love lost between Nan and Sten. Both come from the Baltimore machine. Nan’s dad was a machine politician there.
Wethal on February 13, 2009 at 3:32 PM
O.K., this infuriates me- I’m listening to the local AM radio station and during their news break they tell of the overwhelming victory in the house for the stimulous bill- NO mention of GOP opposition, so Joe Average just figures, “Oh, good deal- everybody’s happy”
anniekc on February 13, 2009 at 3:33 PM
How often do you see a happy liberal? In my experience, they are somewhat glum, unhappy people.
Red State State of Mind on February 13, 2009 at 3:37 PM
This was the goal. This was how they set the conditions for victory. This is how they won. Welcome to the “revolution”, I’m afraid.
“Of all the arts, the motion picture is the most important.” ~Vladimir Lenin
“This weapon [cinema], which cries out to be used, is the best instrument for political propaganda, which cuts into the memory and may be made a possible source of revenue.” ~ Leon Trotsky
“A quiet revolution can be dispersed throughout a culture over a period of time to destroy it from within. Mass psychology and media can break the traditions, beliefs and morals and the will of a nation so there is no possibility of resistance.” ~ Antonio Gramsci
“Socialism is precisely the religion that must overwhelm Christianity. … In the new order, Socialism will triumph by first capturing the culture via infiltration of schools, universities, churches and the media by transforming the consciousness of society.” ~ Antonio Gramsci
Send_Me on February 13, 2009 at 3:38 PM
Same here. Coincidence???
jewells45 on February 13, 2009 at 3:38 PM
Great post. Thx
Red State State of Mind on February 13, 2009 at 3:39 PM
There is one possible silver lining hanging around – when BHO is found ineligible to be President, everything he signed will be null and void. ON a related note, BHO’s team has tried to permanently seal all of his birth, school, and passport records (whatever did happen with passport-gate?).
The SCOTUS holds the keys, now. Otherwise, this country is finished, with such a bunch of moronic America-haters in control.
progressoverpeace on February 13, 2009 at 3:40 PM
Before I knew Obama’s name
And heard his wail and whinin’
I had a country and it had me
And the sun was always shinin’
But then one day the House and Senate betrayed me
And left me far behind them
And now I’m lost, so gone and lost
Not even God can find me
MB4 on February 13, 2009 at 3:40 PM
I absolutely refuse to believe this. We’ve survived bread lines and wars before and the idea that is “America” rebounds. Hyperbole and hyperventilating is just wasted time; stop fretting, get to work, fix it.
LastRick on February 13, 2009 at 3:40 PM
FWIW, I just got through on the phone to Spector’s office. A harried-sounding male staffer took my call. If you’ve gotten busy signals before, give it a shot now.
Mary in LA on February 13, 2009 at 3:41 PM
You were reading my mind.
saiga on February 13, 2009 at 3:41 PM
Amen to that.
jewells45 on February 13, 2009 at 3:43 PM
Keep that quote at your fingertips.
INC on February 13, 2009 at 3:45 PM
In the practical art of war and politics, you must be prepared to fight at any time in the future. In the impractical art of war and politics, you should have been prepared quite some time ago, and it’s probably already too late. You’re scroomed.
MB4 on February 13, 2009 at 3:45 PM
- Sun Tzu’s Nephew
MB4 on February 13, 2009 at 3:46 PM
Among the most restrictive in the nation. Wonder why? Now you know. See OpenCarry.org for state and district specifics as to gun laws.
riverrat10k on February 13, 2009 at 3:47 PM
The self reliant “can do” Americans steeped in individualism could rise to do anything they set their mind to. The new American culture and mind set is far and away different. The freeloaders are a formitable ball and chain that gets bigger by the minute. Hard to go full speed ahead when you are dragging anchor. And, they aint going nowhere. They are economy killers.
saiga on February 13, 2009 at 3:48 PM
Actually, you may be right, but not for the reason you think;
word is starting to buzz that some of the provisions of this stimulus bill may violate the Equal Protection Clause of the Constitution.
Stay tuned.
Jenfidel on February 13, 2009 at 3:48 PM
I’m a Cold War child. I grew up with the threat of the USSR blasting us and people building fallout shelters. To have conquered that enemy without (thank you, President Reagan) and to now see the enemy within working to wreak destruction on our nation is both heartbreaking and maddening.
INC on February 13, 2009 at 3:50 PM
Maybe, Jen, but if our SCOTUS hasn’t the guts to even hear any of the legitimate ineligibility cases (because of riots in the streets) then there’s no way they’ll take this piece of America-killing legislation down. I hope I’m wrong, but that’s how it feels to me.
progressoverpeace on February 13, 2009 at 3:51 PM
We need to thank the 7 Dems as well
Would they like to consider switching parties; we’ve got a couple senators from Maine we’ll trade for them.
michaelo on February 13, 2009 at 3:54 PM
A put down and pessimism in one post?
I have done what I could and will continue to do what I can.
As a Christian my hope and reliance are on Christ. He enables and encourages me to persevere in the midst of calamity.
INC on February 13, 2009 at 3:54 PM
I too was a cold war child. Sitting in front of my locker with my head between my knees in nuclear war drills “Duck and Cover”
When I saw the amnesty fiasco last year, it was a painfull wake up call and cold reality slap in the face. Now Obama. I expect him to rig the census, grant amnesty and attack the second ammendment: not to mention reward lazyness and uselessness with government checks.
And , by the way, distroy the military and bankrupt the treasury. It aint lookin good.
saiga on February 13, 2009 at 3:55 PM
Another reason to be scared $hitle$$.
Badger40 on February 13, 2009 at 3:56 PM
Me too. This is an excellent idea. You’re right, money talks. More should do this, it would make a statement and maybe reinforce a stiffening backbone.
Clicky clicky
NRCC
Todd
toddsts on February 13, 2009 at 3:57 PM
BTW, some military officers are putting together an eligibility suit, themselves, (from what I hear) because they need to have an official resolution in order to carry out orders from the Precedent.
progressoverpeace on February 13, 2009 at 3:58 PM
Not one, not a single one member read the bill. These are our ‘leaders’.
Entelechy on February 13, 2009 at 3:58 PM
Sooooo, you consider the Constitution a right-wing document? This bill has many unconstitutional aspects. How is following the highest law of the land right-wing? Please explain.
riverrat10k on February 13, 2009 at 3:58 PM
I can’t think of the word. Homogony or something. It is a dominant country during a given historical period. The US is one now.
Help me with this word.
saiga on February 13, 2009 at 3:58 PM
It’s “hegemony,” saiga.
You were close.
Jenfidel on February 13, 2009 at 4:01 PM
So you know exactly what I’m talking about.
I remember my parents talking about hovering in the hall and keeping jugs of water in the closet.
INC on February 13, 2009 at 4:01 PM
hegemony. Comes from the Greek. Meant the dominance of one Greek city-state over the others. Now just one nation’s dominance over others.
Wethal on February 13, 2009 at 4:02 PM
Thanks.
saiga on February 13, 2009 at 4:03 PM
I’m going to assume (from this post) that you’re not a “freeloader”. Great, but more importantly, why? What do you and I gain from not holding our hand out for a piece of someone else’s money and hard work?
The GOP has done a piss-poor job the last few years in delivering on this: why government is best which governs least. But that doesn’t mean we can’t promote this idea. Remember, all great change in America begins at the dinner table. Keep talking to people even if they are “anchors”.
LastRick on February 13, 2009 at 4:06 PM
I used to lie in bed planning on what to do when the world blew up. I had a place in the woods, my bow and arrow, and dreamed about hiding out and evading the commies and thieves. Fishing, hunting, and starting fires with sticks and string. I was going to go out fighting with a knife in my teeth.
I wonder if in a stange way, those old thoughts will some day come true hiding from indigenous invaders.
saiga on February 13, 2009 at 4:08 PM
saiga, you’re welcome.
INC on February 13, 2009 at 4:09 PM
Two words… UN-Believable.
Should the USA become a Socialist Republic?
That’s above my pay grade.
Coward.
mankai on February 13, 2009 at 4:10 PM
I’m glad none of the Republicans fell into the trap and aided their destroyers. Let’s hope the governors can do the same. If the Democrats are going to wreck our economy with socialism, they need to pay for it.
Sign of the Dollar on February 13, 2009 at 4:11 PM
I need thought leadership. Roll play with me for a minuite, and pretend I am that stupid $hithead Genine Gerafilo or whatever her name is. You know, the lefty “comic / actress” What do you say to a thing like that?
saiga on February 13, 2009 at 4:11 PM
Anyone who grew up at that time understands this. I, too, used to lie in bed thinking about what would happen.
I think it’s one reason why our generation split into those who were grateful to President Reagan and those who lost their collective mind becoming peaceniks.
INC on February 13, 2009 at 4:12 PM
There was a post (no source) over on RedState that Teddy was rumored to be on his way back from FL. Anyone hear or see anything on this? He’d be the 61st vote and cover for the RINO 3.
Wethal on February 13, 2009 at 4:13 PM
We lost 4 Democrats.
All in all, a disappointment, but not too bad.
MarkTheGreat on February 13, 2009 at 4:14 PM
“The failure to win Republican support in the House seemed to echo the early months of the last Democratic administration, when President Bill Clinton in 1993 had to rely solely on Democrats to win passage of a deficit-reduction bill that was a signature element of his presidency.”
Politics as usual.
getalife on February 13, 2009 at 4:14 PM
No way! They’re going to relocate Teddy’s decomposing corpse again??
califcon on February 13, 2009 at 4:15 PM
Gosh, getaclue, I see that you follow along in that same wonderful tone of “bi-partisanship” that Mr. President and the rest of his party practice as evidenced in the ramming through of this Socialist Manifesto.
kingsjester on February 13, 2009 at 4:15 PM
Wethal, I hope not. Kennedy has already done enough harm to the Republic during his time in the Senate.
INC on February 13, 2009 at 4:15 PM
As I said, it was just a post. No source. I was surprised that Teddy went back to FL after the first vote. You’d think they’d need him to be 61st for this vote, too.
Wethal on February 13, 2009 at 4:17 PM
They announced today that Teddy is too ill to make it to the Senate floor.
kingsjester on February 13, 2009 at 4:17 PM
Thank you, kingjester. Is he still in DC or back in FL? I wouldn’t put it past Harry to drag a dying man in. Teddy needs to spend every remaining minute repenting.
Wethal on February 13, 2009 at 4:18 PM
Good ol’ Heath. He’s my man.
DrStock on February 13, 2009 at 4:23 PM
Politics as usual.
getalife on February 13, 2009 at 4:14 PM
Dissent is patriotic, or at least it used to be.
Bishop on February 13, 2009 at 4:23 PM
I thought I read somewhere this morning that Teddy is back in Florida and too ill to make it back and vote.
califcon on February 13, 2009 at 4:23 PM
Boehner Floor Speech Opposing Democrats’ Trillion-Dollar Spending Bill
Conservative_SAHM on February 13, 2009 at 4:26 PM
Drudge has a link to an AP article saying he’s back in FL because his vote wasn’t needed.
That’s what makes me wonder what was going on. Did Harry flip someone (Martinez or Voinovich, who are retiring)? Some procedural shenanigans?
Wethal on February 13, 2009 at 4:27 PM
Yeah no Ted Kennedy this time. And I think the three stooges may flip. It only takes ONE and this sucker is DOA.
dogsoldier on February 13, 2009 at 4:27 PM
Wrong again.
Comrade Urkel has taken Democrat partisanship and poisonous rhetoric and
skullduggery-like electioneering to a whole ‘nother level than even the first black President.
Jenfidel on February 13, 2009 at 4:27 PM
praise _____!
gatorboy on February 13, 2009 at 4:28 PM
Martinez is still a no. His site had a speech up that he made yesterday and I talked with a Florida office staffer who confirmed to me that he will vote NO.
INC on February 13, 2009 at 4:28 PM
OK, I’m opposed to the substance of the bill on principle. But to force a vote on something that has not even been available to read is the ultimate irresponsibility and is part of what earns Congress it’s low rating. These people are paid to make sure the bill says what it is supposed to. It’s not like they changed a couple of commas to reconcile the bills. It’s over 1000 pages and almost none of them know what’s in there.
EconomicNeocon on February 13, 2009 at 4:29 PM
The fraudulent one has already told us that the imperfect Constitution needs to be “improved.”
califcon on February 13, 2009 at 4:31 PM
Thanks. I thought Voinovich was pretty solid the last time I heard of his position, but one can never tell. Don’t know what else might be up. Can’t imagine Harry bringing this to the floor without 61 votes, but in this case, he has no choice. Wonder what happens if all he has is 60…
Wethal on February 13, 2009 at 4:35 PM
I continue to be proud of House Republicans….. However, how does one vote for something that they have not read????
Aren’t these the same Dems that said the mortgage industry took advantage of people who did not read their mortgage agreements?
azcop on February 13, 2009 at 4:35 PM
And how many of these senators are going to try and shift the blame and use the, “They told us we HAD to vote now” excuse? WHO told you??? WHO exactly do you think you work for, Senator?? I’m so annoyed with these fools.
anniekc on February 13, 2009 at 4:37 PM
You mean none of them read that bill before voting either?
a capella on February 13, 2009 at 4:38 PM
They’ll be branded.
INC on February 13, 2009 at 4:38 PM
Nice.
Dear Fox News, could you please give us ladies some love and get this man some airtime?
racecar05 on February 13, 2009 at 4:39 PM
Michelle is on Fox right now eviscerating Pelosi
LegendHasIt on February 13, 2009 at 4:39 PM
Which provisions?
ladyingray on February 13, 2009 at 4:39 PM
I wonder if there are any red state Dems who are worried about 2010 and having to defend voting on a 1000-page, $800 billion bill without reading it. If the economy somehow improved, including without inflation (unlikely), they could say they rolled the dice (nice way to make laws) because time was of the essence. Otherwise, they have to defend their vote.
Once reason the GOP won the House in 1994 was because members were caught admitting they didn’t read the bills before voting. (Also the House bank scandal. Checks that never bounce!).
Wethal on February 13, 2009 at 4:43 PM
Tom Coburn is giving an excellent speech on the floor!! Waving the Constitution around and telling them that the reason we’re in this mess is that Congress has routinely violated it and now they want to do it some more. Hah!
califcon on February 13, 2009 at 4:43 PM
I have been under the weather all day and just turned on the tv-and of course headed here-tell me again all gop voted against this piece of crap?(dual meaning). woooo hooooo!! Why is yahoo saying that this is a big win for the administration?
canditaylor68 on February 13, 2009 at 4:46 PM
Just sent my representative, Eric Cantor (R-VA minority whip)a big thank you for helping to get every Republican to vote against this crapola.
I was very pissed at him for voting for the Crapsandwich 1.0.
Some redemption here, I guess. Hope it’s not too little too late.
riverrat10k on February 13, 2009 at 4:49 PM
Written in the 80′s, relevant now
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1DGfXAvgknM
Sugarbuzz on February 13, 2009 at 4:49 PM
Has anyone heard any chatter on any of the networks that there’s even a chance the turncoat three have had a change of heart?
anniekc on February 13, 2009 at 4:59 PM
Why is yahoo saying that this is a big win for the administration?
canditaylor68 on February 13, 2009 at 4:46 PM
A $347 billion dollar stimulus appropriation for Yahoo to create “Feelings of greenie greenieness on their website”.
Bishop on February 13, 2009 at 5:03 PM
I must have missed something. Which bill did Cantor vote yes for? He’s a (R) and all of them voted no on the house stimulus package. If you’ve got a date and a bill number I’d like to take a look at it.
Oldnuke on February 13, 2009 at 5:04 PM
Glenn Beck has Minnick on now.
BuckeyeSam on February 13, 2009 at 5:04 PM
Oldnuke, I believe the reference is to TARP 1.0
califcon on February 13, 2009 at 5:05 PM
Just got off the phone with my banker. Had sone personal stuff and then asked him what the bank’s position was on what is going down. His take is the same as ours and refreshingly honest about how the TARP and stimulus packages have been handled.. We discussed the odds of correcting anything politically, with ACORN and census diddling in the future. I was amazed when he said there has been some discussion of a territorial separation of states, based on both geography and financial solvency, and civil war. This guy is a common sense, no risk, stereotypical midwestern banker, not prone to hyperbole and certainly not violence prone. He seemed to feel things are going to get much, much worse on the financial side and a large number of people will eventually react violently, with an attempt to split the country in half. Not what I wanted to hear, but guess I asked for it.
a capella on February 13, 2009 at 5:12 PM
Ok, Cantor did vote yes for both house bills 3997 and 1424 but voted no on 384. My rep, Wittman voted no on all three.
Oldnuke on February 13, 2009 at 5:23 PM
I don’t know who keeps writing this quote, but it’s pure BS. This so called “deficit-reduction bill” in ’93 was nothing but an across the board TAX INCREASE. There was no deficit/entitlement spending cuts. The following year Clinton submitted a budget to congress that was a “budget buster” and the new Republican House not only rejected it, they also pass the balanced budge amendment that was so popular, Clinton had no choice but to sign it.
The “signature element of his presidency” was left on a stained dress.
Rovin on February 13, 2009 at 5:36 PM
Andrew “The Conservative Soul” Sullivan says:
A Republican party that added more than $30 trillion to the future debt in a time of boom has no credible answer but raw partisanship for opposing $800 billion in the swiftest downturn in employment since the Great Depression. That’s the bottom line. The party that campaigned for eight years on the principle that “deficits don’t matter” has no good faith standing to oppose a measure that provides the minimum to ensure some kind of bottom in the looming depression.
Respect Andrew Sullivan’s Authority!
Mr. Joe on February 13, 2009 at 5:48 PM
Bittersweet. A bipartisan vote AGAINST Obama’s Folly.
littleguy on February 13, 2009 at 5:51 PM
Bravo, well said.
rplat on February 13, 2009 at 5:56 PM
I must have missed that party plank, but didn’t I hear Obama lambaste President Bush continuously for profligate deficit spending? I’m wondering about the “good faith” standing of the proposition that deficits under Republican administrations are BAD, but massive, previously unheard of deficits under a Democrat administration are GOOD. More than that, if “$30 trillion” in future debt isn’t enough to forstall a recession, then orders-of-magnitude more will be?
littleguy on February 13, 2009 at 6:02 PM
Did Pelosi have her face work done with a pitchfork?
marklmail on February 13, 2009 at 6:17 PM
Walt Minnick, my Democrat congressman, voted no. I sent him an email thanking him and urging him to keep doing the right thing for the country. As Idaho is a very red state, I was concerned that he would be a rubber stamp for Pelosi, but so far he’s done okay. For a Democrat, that is…
jdawg on February 13, 2009 at 7:03 PM
I guess “nearly” refers to the Senate RINOs…? Wasn’t “opposition” in the House “unanimous”?
mankai on February 13, 2009 at 7:09 PM
Dems supposedly hate deficits… right?
mankai on February 13, 2009 at 7:13 PM
The Senator from Ohio will cast the 60th vote to pass it in the Senate.
getalife on February 13, 2009 at 7:16 PM
Yep those politicians from Ohio sure do know how to help an economy…sarc
Jamson64 on February 13, 2009 at 7:27 PM
If ever the nation needed a second plane crash in the same day.
I’m obviously not serious about the above comments- it wouldn’t do any good anyway. The filthy liar would just truck in Teddy Kennedy and tell him which button to push. Nevertheless, I’m just sick at seeing our nation destroyed this way. No bipartisanship, no time to let the public see the details of a bill that will bankrupt our great grandkids, a filthy liar in the White House.
This is not America anymore.
highhopes on February 13, 2009 at 7:29 PM
BINGO, you got it…and this is just the start…the decline will increase velocity as the year goes on…
right4life on February 13, 2009 at 7:31 PM
I’m guessing the seven Dem no’s were given permission by the party to vote no because of their district?
PattyJ on February 13, 2009 at 7:40 PM
Only lazy people stay stupid. When people need more than the measly scraps the government hands out to them, then they will exercise their bodies and minds and waken from their mindless slumber.
shick on February 13, 2009 at 8:33 PM
I agree. Please, no more talk of heading to the bunkers, stocking up on guns and ammo, secession, etc. Who’s surprised this turned out the way it did? We knew the Dems would do this, and could do it. The bright side is, the lines are drawn more sharply now. Conservatives are getting their voices back.
Liberals are tormented by the thought that someone, anyone, anywhere disagrees with them.
ddrintn on February 13, 2009 at 10:55 PM
They’re furious because they know their Dear Leader got rolled by Nancy Pelosi and exposed by the Republicans as a liar.
rockmom on February 14, 2009 at 1:12 AM
progressoverpeace on February 13, 2009 at 3:40 PM
This is from omegaletter.com today
“President Obama has a high-priced team of Los Angeles lawyers whom he pays out of his own pocket. Evidently, their only task is to prevent Americans from learning anything about him.
The firm of Strumwasser and Woocher are fighting against the production of Obama’s college records from Occidental College in California. Presumably, those records may shed light on how Obama managed to travel to Pakistan in 1980 without a US passport.
Or whether or not Barry Soetero was registered as a US citizen or foreign national. Or how he ended up making the jump from a community college to Columbia and Harvard.
This high-priced legal team is also fighting to prevent the production of his actual birth certificate, passport records, hospital records or any other documentary evidence useful in determining his actual citizenship.”
Doesn’t that strike anyone as, well, odd?
oldleprechaun on February 14, 2009 at 7:07 AM
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