Rep. David Price doesn’t seem pleased that his young Democrat colleague, Rep. Health Shuler of western N.C., isn’t drinking the “stimulus” package koolaid being passed around by the White House and congressional Democrats. Shuler isn’t afraid to tell people that, contrary to his party’s talking point, very little of the $800 billion spending monstrosity actually goes to infrastructure. Check out this Shuler vs. Price exchange at yesterday’s Emerging Issues Forum, as reported by the News & Observer.
First, from Rep. Shuler:
He said Monday, during a session at the Emerging Issues Forum in Raleigh, that he voted no because the package didn’t include enough money for public works, and included too much money for projects favored by influential members of Congress.
“It’s not stimulative enough for me,” Shuler said during a panel discussion in front of more than 1,000 people at Raleigh’s Convention Center.
Then, Rep. Price responds with what is a clear jab at the newbie and an obvious twisting of what Shuler said:
Shuler “seems to be saying it’s not big enough,” Price said. “Most of the opponents say this is too big a bill. Some are arguing that all ought to be tax cuts.”
Hold your ground, Rep. Shuler. Longtime members of Congress want to use fear over the economy as a way to push through massive amounts of new spending and borrowing, and that means your public opposition isn’t appreciated.
