Well, the Senate voted last night on the improved stimulus package I've been posting about, and thanks to obstructionist Republican senators who threatened to filibuster (which meant the bill needed a 60-vote supermajority to pass) it failed by a single vote. With the improved package stalemated, the Senate just minutes ago passed a weaker GOP-backed version of the package that doesn't include home heating assistance or extended benefits for the unemployed.
We just posted an official statement in response that I encourage you to check out.
Fun Fact: there was only one Senator who missed the vote on the improved stimulus package yesterday. If he had showed up and voted for it, they would have had the 60 votes they needed to move it forward.
Who was the lone missing vote?
Whoops! Sorry, wrong Maverick:
Yesterday, Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) skipped the Senate’s vote on the economic stimulus package, which fell just one vote short of the 60 needed to end debate.
On the stump, McCain has repeatedly claimed that passing a package was a priority for him. Yet his missed vote yesterday was not an accident due to a late flight or scheduling conflict. It was deliberate...
McCain’s move was certainly not a profile in courage. His spokeswoman said that the senator would have voted against the package anyway. By missing the vote, however, he didn’t have to go on record denying benefits to 20 million seniors and 250,000 disabled vets — both key blocs of support for his campaign.
ABC News' Jake Tapper on McCain's voting attendance while he's been running for President:
In the 110th Congress, out of 450 votes, McCain missed 56.7% of them. The only one who missed more was a senator who had a brain hemorrhage.
So, what do you think about all this? Sound off in the comments.
Comments (4)
Comments posted to CtW Connect are the sole property of the individual posting them, and do not necessarily reflect the viewpoints of Change to Win, its affiliated unions, or its leadership.
Craig/Noreen/Jason Despite horrendous weather conditions across the country we need to organize a million worker march to target Mc Cain and the other obstuctionists both on their home turf and in Washington. Obviously Washington is easier to gather together people for full impact and we need to do so in such a way that guarantees us access to the quad and other areas that were denied the World Bank protesters a few years ago. Mc Cain is even easier to protest because smaller groups could be at each local stop in his ridiculous campaign for President. Let the full list of names of the obstructionists be read at any of these rallies including Mc Cain's absentee record and it will get potential supporters of Mc Cain and the other obstructionists thinking about their continued support for these clowns.
Posted by Bob Moffitt on February 7, 2008 at 6:20 PM
Posted on February 7, 2008 at 6:20 PM
It does not surprise me a bit that McCain weasled out of voting on this bill. I dont believe for one minute he coducted himself like a soldier before or after his capture. The lack of courage he showed when campaigning against George proved that to me. He endured terrible insults from the Bush hatchet squad and wound up hugging Bush on TV instead of laying him out. He, being just another Republican, would never have voted help for the unemployed or seniors anyway. This gives the weasel a chance to escape another test of courage. Where would they get the money for this? Would you take it away from tax credits for Exxon, General Motors or Haliburton?
Posted by dan pagdon on February 7, 2008 at 6:26 PM
Posted on February 7, 2008 at 6:26 PM
Labor always finds a ‘bad boy’ (e.g. McCain) or ‘bad party’ (Republicans) to blame for its problems. While they are correct for this or that particular ‘helping’ bill, they do not accept the FACT that the so called ‘good guys/party’ (Democrats) have marched ‘hand-in-hand’ with the Republicans in virtually destroying the economy.
Consider the various so called ‘bubbles’ (savings banks, tech, real estate, etc) in the past 15-20 years and the affect that they have had on the ‘labor economy.’ All these bubbles occurred under the oversight of the Fed and the banking system. And, what have the Democrats done to resist. C. Dobb has been the chairman of the Senate Banking Comm. while the sub-prime thing unfolds. What specifically, have the so called ‘good guys’ that Labor has been backing for decades done to rise the standard of living for Labor besides say things that make us feel good and back hand outs like unemployment insurance.
Labor should reflect on Jesse Jackson’s wisdom: “It doesn’t matter if you are riding a donkey or an elephant if they are both going in the same direction.” The Dems and the Reps are and have been moving the economy in the same direction for decades. It’s time for labor to find a Horse to ride in different direction.
Posted by Tom Verso on February 8, 2008 at 7:13 AM
Posted on February 8, 2008 at 7:13 AM
McCain isn't even liked by ultra-conservatives, go figure. But the scariest part of his record in Congress is his inability to be there to vote on anything at all. Lately he is under the impression that the surge in Iraq is working just fine. He also cares nothing for senior citizens, working class people or even the republicans that are forced to suppot him. The straw that breaks the Camels back for me though is his lack of interest in making the southern border secure; what former military man would admit that he isn't concerned about illegal immigration. He might be a nice guy with a nice wife but he would do little to help the Amercian people as a President. And you think George Bush is an idiot, watch out for this guy. He has never had a real job outside of government paychecks in his life. Beleive me Board memberships on multiply trust group don't count as a true job with responsibilities.
Posted by peter Hamilton on July 25, 2008 at 12:47 PM
Posted on July 25, 2008 at 12:47 PM