Why were republicans against the stimulus before they were for it?

Question

Every single Republican in the House voted against the $819 billion Recovery Act in January. Including Texas’ Kay Bailey Hutchison and John Cornyn. Hutchison and Cornyn are pressuring the Obama administration to give Texas $3 billion in stimulus funds.

Rep. Frank Wolf (R-VA) is now criticizing Gov. Tim Kaine (D) for being “slow” to spend the stimulus money allocated for Virginia — even though if Wolf and his Republican colleagues would have had their way, there would be no extra money for the state at all. “We could use that money desperately,” Wolf told reporters. “We’re in a critical situation.”

Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) recently announced two grants totaling $399,875 to Goodwill Industries of Central Iowa and Goodwill Industries of the Heartland through the Homeless Veterans Reintegration program. “These funds will give a hand up to our veterans who have fought bravely and selflessly for our country,” Grassley said. The funds were authorized by the Recovery Act.

Sen. Saxby Chambliss (R-GA) and Sen. Johnny Isakson (R-GA) opposed the stimulus and attacked it as a bloated government giveaway. However, both senators recently asked Robert Gates to steer $50 million in stimulus money for a bio-energy project. Visiting a food bank aided by money from the stimulus, Chambliss exclaimed the other week, “I’m very pleased that the government continues to play a key role, here, from the standpoint of providing food.”

Rep. Mary Fallin (R-OK) — who called the stimulus a “Big Brother spending program” — asked Army Secretary Pete Geren to use $8.4 million in stimulus money for repairs to buildings at two Oklahoma National Guard sites.

Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-OK) in a recent press release from hails $1.9 million in funding for a Claremore regional railroad-based trans-modal facility, noting the investment will “help spur additional economic growth” and that the senator is “happy” about the way the money is being used. Inhofe, of course, makes no mention that the money is authorized by the Recovery Act.

Rep. John Carter (R-TX) opposed the Recovery Act, and recently called the entire program a failure that should be “repealed.” Regardless, Carter’s public pronouncements did not stop him from requesting $621 million in hospital projects from the stimulus — then calling the funds a victory for the economy in central Texas.

Answer 1

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Republicans are checking to see which way the wind is blowing and decide what they will say for today. It makes no difference to them if they say the opposite of what they said yesterday none of their supporters care and neither do they.

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Asker's Comment:

That is so true. Their memory is about as long as a news cycle it seems. Kanye was all the rage last week-he was a racist thug, etc etc. Seems they don't give a crap about Kanye today. Their supporters don't seem to remember what they said yesterday; It's all about the 24 hr news cycle. Simpletons

Answer 2

because your mom's beard was in the way

Answer 3

The Republicans in congress appear to be liberals that like to spend like meth heads and tax the heck out of us too. We don't have a conservative party for now that is representing the people collectively.

Answer 4

They were against it. It passed. Now, they want their taxpaying constituents to get some of it.

I know that the notion of the people paying for the dang thing getting any of it just disturbs your liberal sensibilities, but you can handle it--be brave.

Answer 5

The Stimulus bill is a great waste of national treasure and not very beneficial in terms of jobs or infrastructure.

Answer 6

Yes how silly of them to ask Barrack for some of the funds after the package had been approved. My son delivered and now these areas have low unemployment and prosperity. Do not believe those lying republicans.

Answer 7

Good question, but sorry, i've always opposed it in most forms. I think it's safe to say that the majority of all of our leaders are completely out of touch with reality and the people they represent.

Answer 8

I don't see your point. So they were against it, they lost the vote and now the people of their state are paying for it, since they are paying for it they should probably get some benefit from it before Obama gives it all to Chicago.

Answer 9

Should they then have turned it down for more of this?:

$2 billion earmark to re-start FutureGen, a near-zero emissions coal power plant in Illinois that the Department of Energy defunded last year because it said the project was inefficient.

• A $246 million tax break for Hollywood movie producers to buy motion picture film.

• $650 million for the digital television converter box coupon program.

• $88 million for the Coast Guard to design a new polar icebreaker (arctic ship).

• $448 million for constructing the Department of Homeland Security headquarters.

• $248 million for furniture at the new Homeland Security headquarters.

Answer 10

The first one was a disaster and the second one was even worse... The only good thing from the first one is the money actually went out to the banks and some have repaid back... The second one only 20% at the most has gone out and we will never see any of that back.

You can also say the first one went to fix the economy and the second is going to be used for election purposes only.

Answer 11

Hypocrisy at it's finest. You failed to mention the Governors that were against it. Like Sanford,Jindal and Palin to name a few.

Answer 12

It's no secret the Republicans took the hush money called Earmarks, along with the democrats. Theta spent much of it in their districts, and in some cases it did some good.

This is not to mean that they are not waiting for the other shoe to drop, once payback time is upon us. I wonder if that is something you ever think about ? It also doesn't mean they approve of 0bama's stimulus plans.

Answer 13

So because they lost the bill that means they shouldn't be allowed to utilize the funds?

I don't see your point. The bill passed. The funds are being dispersed. Because they are using them for things doesn't mean they don't still oppose the bill.

Regardless, both Republicans and Democrats are enemies. They are all bug government tax happy tyrants.

http://www.hackwilson.blogspot.com

Answer 14

Because things were not supposed to have gotten this bad. The economy should have begun its recovery. But because of the 'stimulus' and other actions taken by this administration, it has not. States can take hard times, but not forever.

I run two small businesses, both of which are doing well despite the economy, but I tell ya, I'm not planning on starting any new operations or expanding. Not with the signals the democrats and Obama are sending. In America today, growth and prosperity are too risky. I don't operate my businesses as a means of financing my government. I run my businesses to provide for myself and my employees.

Answer 15

Because they already know what evil lurks from the left. They couldnt exactly say it out loud. Why did Obama try to push his Apollo Project Stimulous package so fast, or his Obamacare package without giving it a chance to be read and amended and giving the people of the USA a chance to know what's in it? Good thing we protested and now they are finally reading it and trying to make some changes not only to make it more affordable for the Conservatives but for YOU Liberals as well.

Answer 16

Why is Obama holding it? It passed, the money is there to be spent to boost the economy, to decrease unemployment.

Your question is ridiculous. You should be questioning why Obama has spent less than 15% of the money intended to help the economy. The people of these states are paying for, regardless if they supported it or not, so why are they not getting it?

Answer 17

for the same reason Democrats where for the war before they were against it

Answer 18

bush had the first stimulus,remember??????dems were against it till obama was elected.

Answer 19

Do not make the mistake of so called republicans.
The Conservatives are still against Govt spending, Govt control and more taxes.
The so called moderate Rep are more interested in appeasing the left media than the American people.
You bring up a great point, money corrupts.Period

Answer 20

Most of those repubs are libs...plus, the federal government and the courts are FORCING states to take it....I know SC and LA were forced to accept it

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