uPolitico

Wow – Was there an exciting day in the House of Representatives or what? Congressman Weiner (D-NY) ripped apart Republicans who did not vote for a bill to provide health care for the 9/11 first responders. “It’s Republicans wrapping their arms around Republicans rather than doing the right thing on behalf of the heroes,” Weiner said. “It is a shame. A shame! If you believe this is a bad idea to provide health care–then vote no! But don’t give me the cowardly view that ‘Oh if it was a different procedure’…”, according to CNN’s website. But, is this as one sided issue as it appears?

Part of the reason the bill did not get the votes needed is because, in an effort to block Republicans from making amendments to the bill, the bill was expedited to the House, but in order to pass, it needed two-thirds of the votes. Again, it is our representatives in Washington who play “chicken” with the lives of others. How can we have bipartisan bills, when one side of the aisle is always trying to make the other side bad? Why couldn’t they just compromise, make some amendments and try to pass the bill?

Although I agree with someone getting so angry over the failure of this bill to pass, I like to know how Weiner voted on every instance when a bill was going to benefit voters.  Did he always vote his conscience, or did he compromise his principles to stick with party lines? Sadly, special interest groups continue to influence voter in both chambers and the oval office. Whether it is the NRA, pro-choice groups, or the NAACP, special interest groups have a say on many votes.

I love Weiner’s passion and I only hope that next time there is a bill on his voting desk, he votes to do what his conscience tells him, and not what the Speaker of the House, the party, or a special interest group asks him to do.

If you have not seen the video, please look at it. After all, you pay these people’s salaries.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W4zwCMf8dsc

Tags: 9/11, House of Representatives, Politico, Politics, Washington, Weiner

admin  Jul 30 Washington News