Republicans block Senate disaster aid bill

[Judi Lynn]

Source: Associated Press

Republicans block Senate disaster aid bill
By ANDREW TAYLOR
Associated Press
Published: Monday, September 12, 2011 at 6:20 p.m.
Last Modified: Monday, September 12, 2011 at 6:20 p.m.

Republicans blocked an effort Monday by Senate Democrats to quickly pass a $7 billion aid package for victims of recent natural disasters like Hurricane Irene, tornadoes in the Midwest and the South and floods along the Mississippi, Missouri and other rivers.

On a 53-33 vote, the Senate rejected an attempt by Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., to bring up a bill that Democrats had hoped to use to replenish the Federal Emergency Management Agency's depleted disaster fund. Democrats needed 60 votes to advance the measure.

Reid said FEMA has spent almost $400 million in the past two weeks on emergency help like food and shelter following Irene and has only about $300 million left.

President Barack Obama on Friday asked Congress for $500 million to make sure the disaster fund doesn't run out of cash before the end of the month. He also officially asked for $4.6 billion for the upcoming budget year that starts Oct. 1.



Read more: http://www.goupstate.com/article/20110912/APW/1109120811

[no_hypocrisy]

1. Where were the other 14 votes?

[Scruffy1]

10. Five dems didn't vote and nine R's.

This mess is hard to sort out. The five D votes wouldn't be enough. Three R's voted for including Brown, Blount, and Coats. I would say it was posturing, but then Blount is retiring.

[karynnj]

11. 5 Democrats, Bernie Sanders, and 8 Republicans

It seems that Reid should have made sure more of his votes were there. I wonder if Hutchinson, who did not vote and who needs help due to wild fires - could be the needed 60th vote.

I can't believe that Toomey voted against it with parts of PA flooded.

[Thor_MN]

2. Hear that East Coast? Hear that Texas? The GOP just said FU!!!

[Plucketeer]

3. But GOD FORBID

we cut ONE BUCK from the funding of our bullshit "wars"!!! :grr:

[Beartracks]

4. Yer right. Those disasters receive funds w/out strings.

Why can't we get funds for stateside disasters, too?

==============================

[awoke_in_2003]

5. any links to who voted against....

that and who abstained? Would like to know how many dems either voted no or abstained.

[benld74]

6. Which DEMS voted against this bill!!!!

[karynnj]

12. None

We only have 53 in our caucus - and some were not there to vote.

[rury]

7. Damn...how low can they go??

[sarcasmo]

8. Republicans only like humans prior to birth.

[toddwv]

9. Get ready for another Tea Party Downgrade

"Separately, the Republican-controlled House next week plans to attach disaster aid to legislation needed to avert a partial government shutdown by Oct. 1. "

It'll all be Obama's fault though...

[Left Coast2020]

13. Make Sure To Publish These Repub F'ers Names So Their...

....constitutents know what they stand for.

[christx30]

14. It's all about personal responsibility, people

If someone doesn't have the responsibility to build themselves a multimillion dollar bunker where they can store 12 days of food or more to hold out after a disaster, then why should the federal government bail them out? :sarcasm:

[russspeakeasy]

15. If you are surprised by this, you haven't been paying attention.

:spank:

[unkachuck]

16. Republicans are....

"Republicans blocked an effort Monday by Senate Democrats to quickly pass a $7 billion aid package for victims of recent natural disasters like Hurricane Irene, tornadoes in the Midwest and the South and floods along the Mississippi, Missouri and other rivers."

....unAmerican pricks!

[TomCADem]

17. Once Again, The 112th Congress Earns Its Distinction As History's Worst!

A growing number of scholars are starting to see what is hiding in plain sight. This Congress, which is dominated by Republicans who are brazenly trying to worsen the economy and the lives of Americans, is the worst in history. Never has a Congress been dominated by a party that is specifically attempting to make things worse for political gain. Republicans have gotten to the point where they can brag about skipping a joint session of Congress on the job crisis so that they can go to a football game.

[alp227]

18. Replay this in ads over and over

Disasters happen, Republicans say NO to aid...and will say NO to everything even if it will help you! All the way till November 2012, we need to get active and shove this message! This discussion can not be limited to this underground right here. A catchy slogan: When you think about Republican congress members, think about screaming toddlers at the grocery store.