You may be shocked to learn that, according to Alter, Mr. Boehner's command of the facts was mixing-booze-and-firearms shaky at best. I'll let the article speak for itself, but it did highlight a line from Boehner's speech that I think could be explored further.
The President would not take Yes for an answer...The article addresses that specific point in context, but I thought it might be interesting to take a look at what Boehner himself has said yes to since President Obama took office. This is specific to bills concerning the budget.
- Releasing Funds for Economic Stabilization Act (H J Res 3)
- Prohibiting Federal Assistance to ACORN (HR 3221)
- Extending Federal Emergency Unemployment Benefits and Providing Business and Homebuyer Tax Credits (HR 3548)
- Prohibiting 2010-2011 Congressional Cost-of-Living Pay Increase (HR 5146)
- Fiscal Year 2009-2010 Supplemental Appropriations (HR 4899)
- Temporary Extension of Tax Relief (HR 4853)
- 2011 Budget (HR 1473)
The first one on the list is oddly worded since that bill actually attempted to block the release of TARP funds already approved- there may be a pattern here.
The second involved stopping ACORN from destroying the free world, so that obviously held earth-shattering importance.
The third did what it said and helped give some relief to people during this tough economic times, plus it involved lowering taxes so voting yes was a given.
The fourth was a nice gesture, something that would have probably outraged many Americans had it passed. As someone who hasn't received a cost-of-living pay increase (or really, any increase) in years, I appreciate that Congress put themselves in the same boat as many Americans.
The fifth made sure to provide additional funding to the military, veteran affairs, and the Department of Homeland Security.
The sixth extended the Bush tax cuts to the wealthy, but it also allowed for a number of other tax breaks that affected small businesses and the middle class. Things like the marriage tax penalty, tax breaks for making your home more energy efficient, tax breaks on the amount of social security withheld, and extended unemployment benefits.
Finally, he voted for the 2011 budget, obviously the same budget he is now threatening to let default.
So seven yes votes out of roughly sixty bills affecting the budget. Okay, might make sense when you are a republican and the president is a democrat... but let's take a look at some of the bills Boehner didn't say yes to over that same time while he remembers times as a small business owner with two daughters of his own and wanting to look out for everyday Americans.
- Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization and Expansion (HR 2) - will someone please think of the children...
- Oversight of the Troubled Asset Relief Program (HR 384) - can't bitch about how TARP is a waste of money and then shoot down the bill trying to make sure money isn't wasted.
- Mortgage Restructuring in Bankruptcy (HR 1106) - will someone please think of the banks that made poor lending decisions...
- Hate Crime Expansion (HR 1913) - not budget related, but seems like the right thing to do.
- Cash for Clunkers (HR 3435)
- Student Aid Program Modifications (HR 3221)
- Science and Technology Funding (HR 5116)
- Seniors Protection Act (HR 5987)
I'm not saying these were all great bills but I feel like they all could have benefited everyday people during these tough times. Some could create jobs, some could ease financial burdens, some could take a bit of the sting off of a large, but usually necessary purchase.
His voting record isn't necessarily inconsistent with the GOP platform, but it feels inconsistent with his concern for the average American.
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