GOP freshmen to Cantor: Forget spending cuts, give us our storm aid

[ProSense]

GOP freshmen to Cantor: Forget spending cuts, give us our storm aid

by Joan McCarter

Majority Leader Eric Cantor is having a hard time finding support within his caucus for his no storm aid until there are budget cuts ultimatum.

House Republicans from flood-damaged areas are rejecting that position, saying that helping people whose lives have been upended by the storm should take precedent over managing the budget deficit.

The reaction is particularly noteworthy because it is coming from members of the House Republican freshman class, a group that swept into office last year on a platform of reducing the federal debt and the size of government.

The debate is a sensitive one for rank-and-file lawmakers, because it forces them to choose between the agenda of a party leader and the immediate needs of their districts.

<...>

Consider freshman Nan Hayworth, who made news last week saying she agreed with Cantor. Hayworth now: "'My priority in the coming weeks will be to see that the Hudson Valley has all the federal resources necessary to recover from Hurricane Irene,' she said. 'I simply won’t let politics get in the way of doing the right thing for our families and communities that have been affected by the disaster.'" So, in this case she won't let politics get in the way, but when it's not going to cause her a problem politically, sure, politics can get in the way of doing the right thing.

Senate Democrats boost disaster aid

WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Democrats are unveiling legislation that provides $6 billion in new disaster aid to help victims of Hurricane Irene and those from disasters dating to Hurricane Katrina.

The legislation could spark a battle with tea party-backed House Republicans, who say Congress should cut federal spending elsewhere to pay for disaster aid.

Democrats counter that the recent budget pact signed into law last month by President Barack Obama allows for federal disaster aid to be provided as emergency spending outside of other budget limits. The White House says $6.7 billion is needed to take care of disaster needs next year.

<...>

[WI_DEM]

1. Oh sure when it benefits them and their districts they want the $$

[safeinOhio]

2. They have no problem with making

military waste exempt from that rule. Why do they hate America?

[1776Forever]

3. Great to hear about the Dem's coming up with something to show the "real" T-Party agenda!

"Democrats counter that the recent budget pact signed into law last month by President Barack Obama allows for federal disaster aid to be provided as emergency spending outside of other budget limits. The White House says $6.7 billion is needed to take care of disaster needs next year."

Better this then more money for the Wars and building in Iraq & Afghanistan - time to come home in more then one way!
:kick:

[Supersedeas]

4. Note Hayworth's dichotomy bt politics and families/communities

That's quite an admission to say that your politics have nothing to do with families and communities.

[Tarheel_Dem]

5. K&R

:kick:

[TwilightGardener]

6. They need to stand on their principles. I'm sure that's what their constituents want.

Turn down the money, be rugged individualists, stop being so dependent on Big Gubmint, you leeches.

[FSogol]

7. Any chance Cantor is ruined politically by his idiotic tea-stance?

:shrug:

[stubtoe]

8. Learning on the job, it appears. n/t

[Me.]

9. Hayworth Was Spanked But Good On Local News

Hence the about face

[ProSense]

10. Punk alert!

Cantor vows no 'holdup' in disaster aid

House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-Va.) said Wednesday there would be “no holdup” in approving federal disaster aid for localities ravaged by a recent earthquake and torrential storms.

Cantor had come under fire from Democrats for suggesting last month that Republicans would seek to offset new funding for disaster relief with spending cuts elsewhere in the budget. On Wednesday, he sought to dispel any concerns that federal aid would be subject to a political fight in Congress.

“Unequivocally, I am for making sure people get their money and not have to wait,” he told reporters in a Capitol briefing. “I have never, never said that I am holding anything hostage or would be for playing politics with this.”

Cantor’s Richmond district was hit particularly hard: the epicenter of the Aug. 23 earthquake hit in Mineral, Va., and more than 900,000 people lost power when Hurricane Irene hit the East Coast.

<...>

[trueblue2007]

11. CANTOR IS A MONSTER!!! He belongs on the moon. Build a colony & put all the GOPS up there

don't ever let them return to earth where they can harm humans again