H.R. 1. Making supplemental appropriations for job preservation and creation, infrastructure investment, energy efficiency and science, assistance to the unemployed, and State and local fiscal stabilization, for fiscal year ending September 30, 2009, and for other purposes.
Sponsored by Nancy Pelosi, this resolution passed 244 to 188. It's now headed to the Senate. There was one abstention. There were no (as in zero) votes by Republicans in support of this bill. And that spells trouble, which rhymes with T, and stands for fools. On both sides.
The Republicans, who if you remember, sponsored the first bailout bill since it originated from the White House, have decided to co-op democracy from the start of the Obama administration. They are signalling that they intend to blame everything on the Democrats, which before it's over, will also likely include the war in Iraq. There's plenty of blame to go around but we need some cooperation here folks. Just a little.
And the Democrats, who are now in charge, couldn't muster a single vote from the other side of the aisle? Not one? Come on, how does this exemplify the spirit of non-partisanship. Congress has in large part, ceased to function except under partisan rules. Blame who you will, if it doesn't change, our bicmameral legislative body will end up where the banking industry is headed.