Republicans turn on each other amid disaster bill delay
Republicans turn on each other amid disaster bill delay
By Niv Elis - 05/30/19 06:00 AM EDT
A $19.1 billion disaster aid bill has been repeatedly tripped up in the House by conservative Republicans, creating an embarrassment for a House GOP coming under fire from Democrats and some of its own members for delaying a package meant to help stricken communities. To make matters worse, the bipartisan package is being delayed as a series of tornadoes and floods devastate the Midwest and Southeast.
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The timing has also elicited criticism from within the GOP, with some lawmakers directing their ire at the handful of conservatives blocking the legislation.
“It’s long past time Congress act to help Iowans in need, which is why I voted for and helped pass this critical disaster aid package in the Senate that has the support of the President,” Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), said in a statement to The Hill Wednesday.
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But with headlines proclaiming the country has been subjected to 500 tornadoes in the past 30 days -- a near record -- and flooding in Iowa, Missouri, Oklahoma and Arkansas, the delay tactics by conservatives have prompted sharp rebukes from fellow Republicans.
“Unfortunately, more clowns showed up today to once again delay disaster relief for the states and farmers devastated by the storms of 2018,” Rep Austin Scott (D-Ga.) tweeted on Tuesday.
Rep. Kay Granger (Texas), the top Republican on the House Appropriations Committee, called the legislative maneuvers a “political stunt.”
“As Republicans and as conservatives, we believe that there is no more important function for the federal government than to be there during disasters,” she said.
Sen. David Perdue (R-Ga.) called the moves “pathetic,’ and said they are an “example of politicians putting their own self-interest ahead of the national interest.”
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Natural disasters in their backyard, and they don't give a shit.
UGH
