General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsHouse passes deal on highways, student loans in 373-52 vote
This House vote was the big hurdle delaying approval of 3 million construction jobs. Now all that remains in the way is an easy Senate vote and President Obama's signature. But this appears to be the last positive action we can expect from Congress until after the November elections.
WHAT'S YOUR OPINION?
From http://thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/house/235621-house-passes-highway-student-loan-flood-insurance-bill
"House passes deal on highways, student loans in 373-52 vote
By Pete Kasperowicz - 06/29/12 01:22 PM ET
The House on Friday approved legislation that will extend federal highway programs through 2014, a low interest rate on student loans for one year, and the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) for five years.
Members voted 373-52 in favor of the bill, which was supported by every voting Democrat, while 52 Republicans opposed it.
Leaders in the House and Senate negotiated the giant legislative package, leaving no doubt that it would have enough support to pass. The Senate is expected to approve the measure Friday afternoon.
The bill will likely be the last major piece of legislation passed by Congress until after the November elections.
Congress faced a weekend deadline for extending the highway and student loan provisions. The rates for federally backed student loans were set to double from 3.4 percent to 6.8 percent, and transportation funding was due to expire.
The transportation bill was the most contested part of the package. Prominent conservative groups urged Republicans to vote against it, while the U.S. Chamber of Congress pushed for passage...."
denverbill
(11,489 posts)I'm glad it passed, but it's pretty pathetic this was held up for so long because Republickers demanded Keystone pipeline be included in it, when the supported it in droves without it.
ProgressiveEconomist
(5,818 posts)to give up dedicated funds for landscaping, bikepaths, and pedestrian walkways. See the earlier GD thread at http://www.democraticunderground.com/1002872076 .
Nevernose
(13,081 posts)Somerhing about UN article 21, which I never understood their conspiracy over.
TheWraith
(24,331 posts)ProgressiveEconomist
(5,818 posts)pedestrian walkways, and landscaping? They just had to go.
ProgressiveEconomist
(5,818 posts)More Ds than Rs voted AYE!
http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2012/roll451.xml
FINAL VOTE RESULTS FOR ROLL CALL 451
H R 4348 YEA-AND-NAY 29-Jun-2012 1:22 PM
QUESTION: On Agreeing to the Conference Report
BILL TITLE: To provide an extension of Federal-aid highway, highway safety, motor carrier safety, transit, and other programs funded out of the Highway Trust Fund pending enactment of a multiyear law reauthorizing such programs, and for other purposes
Yeas Nays NV
186 52 3 Republican
187 00 4 Democratic
373 52 7 TOTALS
w8liftinglady
(23,278 posts)Sigh...
Motown_Johnny
(22,308 posts)and tout the jobs it will create, the homes it will save and the lives it will improve.
It is a win.
ProgressiveEconomist
(5,818 posts)But IMO it's more likely he'll sign the bill quietly. He must be worried about next Friday's June employment report. A big celebration of the Transportation Bill this weekend could step on Democratic accusations of Republican economic sabotage next weekend.
ProgressiveEconomist
(5,818 posts)Archae
(46,347 posts)Johnson.
He frikkin' BOUGHT his seat, and now it's to hell with everyone here in Wisconsin.
Bake
(21,977 posts)The one from Kentucky ... Rand Paul? He was threatening to hold it up yesterday or Wednesday. I presume he voted against it.
Bake
HopeHoops
(47,675 posts)ProgressiveEconomist
(5,818 posts)See the earlier GD thread at http://www.democraticunderground.com/1002872076 .
HopeHoops
(47,675 posts)spanone
(135,880 posts)ProgressiveEconomist
(5,818 posts)Wounded Bear
(58,713 posts)The transportation bill was worth millions of jobs.
The student loan bill was just the right thing to do.
Who'da thunk the Repubs could be cajoled into doing the right thing?
Well, now they'll be crowing about all of the jobs they created. But I know who to give credit to.
ananda
(28,876 posts).. just like ACA.
Response to ProgressiveEconomist (Original post)
Post removed