Kratovil Changes Sides, Supports Stimulus Package; Bartlett Only "No" Vote
Rep. Frank Kratovil joined Maryland's six other Democratic congressman in voting in favor of the $787 billion stimulus package, which has just been approved by the House of Representatives.
The freshman from the Eastern Shore was one of five Democrats who switched sides and voted for the measure after having opposed it last month, when the House first approved it.
Once again, none of the Republicans in the House voted in favor of the package, and Rep. Roscoe G. Bartlett, the state's lone Republican, was the only "no" vote from Maryland.
The final House vote on the measure was 246-183, with seven Democrats and 176 Republicans opposed.
In a statement, Kratovil said that “although this bill is still far from perfect, in a crisis of this magnitude we can’t afford to let the perfect be the enemy of the necessary. Economists all over the country believe, and I ultimately agreed that some action needed to be taken to deal with this crisis."
He said the final package had cut billions in spending while increasing funding for rural broadband and other projects that will help his district, which takes in the entire Eastern Shore and portions of Baltimore, Anne Arundel and Harford counties.
"It is estimated that this bipartisan compromise will create or save 8,200 jobs here in the First District," he said. "I was proud to work with the Blue Dog Coalition and other colleagues to advocate for a leaner, more focused, and more effective stimulus package.
Kratovil initially opposed the measure, which had a price tag of $819 billion, because, he said, the more stimulative elements of the package had been watered down by other federal spending.
A new Congressional Budget Office analysis shows that direct federal spending in the final package will be $308 billion, a reduction of $47 billion from the initial House version.
Bartlett, the only Maryland opponent of the measure, called it "a job killing, not a job-making bill."
In a statement the Frederick Republican said he hoped the plan would work "but it would be the first time in history that a government could borrow and spend an economy out of a recession. The word will get out that this ‘stimulus’ is just a diverting headline for a big government grow bill. This fulfills the wish of liberals to expand government spending and control over Americans’ lives and their hard-earned money.”
Comments
He wants to follow in John sKerry's footsteps.
He can now say he was against it before he was for it.
Posted by: AnotherWatcher | February 13, 2009 3:02 PM
You don't have to lie, Frank. Just say that you sought political cover by taking advantage of the opportunity to vote against the bill before voting for it. Who doesn't like to have his cake and eat it too?
Fortunately for you, you'll only have to play these games for two more years. By 2012 your friends in the legislature will have figured out a way to draw more Democrats into your district, and you'll have yourself a lifetime appointment.
Posted by: Brandon | February 13, 2009 4:14 PM
Frank did the right thing. The economic situation is too serious to play politics. The Republicans could offer nothing more than the same old tax cut nonsense. Something had to be done and the Democrats did it. Only time will tell if it is enough, but at least they are trying.
Posted by: George | February 13, 2009 4:16 PM
Nothing was far better than this baloney. Even if the smug, arrogant Harris runs again next time, he's got my vote
Posted by: jjjackson | February 13, 2009 8:40 PM
Did he read the bill? If so, did he understand it?
Posted by: Carole | February 14, 2009 9:11 AM
Congratulations Representative Kratovil!
Democrats and Republicans should have voted for this bill. I am pleased that you finally decided to follow this President's move to change America.
You have my vote and the vote of the majority of my family members.
Posted by: Paul McHugh | February 15, 2009 12:23 PM
Another reason we NEED term limits for these professional dummys. The founding fathers had no dream that someone would want to spent decades as a representive. We need to get this done NOW.
Tell everyone "TERM LIMITS NOW"
Lets get the dummies out.
Posted by: CJ | February 16, 2009 2:36 PM
Paul as a Democrat, didn't he already have your (and your family's) votes?
This bill was full of pork and earmarks, except this time they weren't called earmarks. The spending was ridiculously high and Kratovil met Obama and Obama and Pelosi convinced him to vote for it. Too bad, it is horrible for our children and grandchildren.
It is amazing how 2 years ago liberals set Bush spent too much $$ on the war, too much $$ in government and when handed all the reins, they went and decided to spend more than 8 years of Bush! Hypocrites.
Posted by: John | February 16, 2009 3:04 PM