The House of Representatives gave President Obama an important victory today, passing the $819 billion stimulus package by a vote of 244-188.
Regrettably, the only thing bipartisan about the vote was the opposition to it. No Republicans supported the bill, and 11 Democrats voted against it. The Senate, says CNNMoney.com, is likely to take up the bill next week.
The House appears to have done what a majority of the American people want them to do — which is the purpose of representation. At CNN.com, visitors can participate in an online poll, which isn't scientific, but it usually tends to be a pretty fair indicator of public sentiment. So far, at 8:55 p.m. (Central), about 270,000 people have voted in today's poll, which asks visitors to indicate whether they support or oppose the stimulus package. Currently, 60% of respondents are in favor.
I'm glad the House voted in favor of it, but I'm sorry no Republicans were able to put politics aside and do the right thing for the country. I'm equally sorry that 11 Democrats voted with the Republicans. It sends the wrong message to the people of this country who are experiencing genuine pain right now and need their lawmakers to show them that they still matter for something more than their votes every other November.
Shame on you.
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