Wild development in the U.S. House today (link corrected) on budget legislation.

Democrats voted present, rather than voting, on the draconian House budget plan, leaving the Republicans to decide on that plan or an even more ruthless plan preferred by the Tea Party end of the Republican contingent.

Advertisement

The more radical bill — steeper spending cuts and even bigger tax breaks for the wealthy — barely failed as Republicans jumped to vote against rather than be hung with the consequences. U.S. Rep. Mike Ross voted present. Republican Reps. Tim Griffin, Steve Womack and Rick Crawford voted against the deeper spending cuts and bigger tax break.

Then came the vote on the Ryan budget itself, the main event of the day. It passed 235-193. This bill, though not Tea Party strength, remained a bill to soak the poor, enrich the wealthy and destroy Medicare.

Advertisement

Arkansas Republicans all voted for it, naturally — Reps. Tim Griffin, Rick Crawford and Steve Womack. Two of them might rue the day. We long ago abandoned hope for the 3rd District.

But, it’s a signature day. Nominal Democrat Mike Ross voted with Democrats today, against a plan which he said, correctly, would privatize Medicare. It would turn federal health care money over to private insurance companies to plunder at the expense of the sick elderly. The good news is that a Democratic firebreak still exists in the Senate to protect the endangered.

Advertisement

Said Rick Crawford: “…we need to quit mortgaging our children’s future and give them the fiscally stable country they deserve.” Old folks? Screw ’em.

Tim Griffin went with the Republican slogan “Path to Prosperity” and claimed he’d saved Medicare rather than wrecked it.

Advertisement

For his rare good vote, let’s let Ross talk about it (and following the Democratic Party frames the Republican vote):

50 years of fearless reporting and still going strong

Be a part of something bigger and join the fight for truth by subscribing or donating to the Arkansas Times. For 50 years, our progressive, alternative newspaper in Little Rock has been tackling powerful forces through our tough, determined, and feisty journalism. With over 63,000 Facebook followers, 58,000 Twitter followers, 35,000 Arkansas blog followers, and 70,000 email subscribers, it's clear that our readers value our commitment to great journalism. But we need your help to do even more. By subscribing or donating – as little as $1 –, you'll not only have access to all of our articles, but you'll also be supporting our efforts to hire more writers and expand our coverage. Take a stand with the Arkansas Times and make a difference with your subscription or donation today.

Previous article Saturday To-Do: Corey Smith Next article Brockmeier pays tribute to David Foster Wallace