One year ago today, President Obama signed into law the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Since then it has funded up to 2 million jobs nationwide, including 9,000 jobs in Iowa, and saved our economy from total collapse. And though they both voted against the bill, Rep. King and Senator Grassley have done a 180 after seeing its success. Despite Rep. King’s opposition to the Recovery Act, he has now touted Recovery Act projects. And, Senator Grassley requested funds from the act. Because of their hypocrisy on the matter, DNC Chairman Kaine yesterday inducted both King and Grassley into the DNC’s “GOP Hypocrisy Hall of Fame,” which is 93 Republicans and counting. To see the list of inductees please click here.
On the first anniversary of the signing of the bill, Iowa Democratic Party Chairman Michael Kiernan issued the following statement:
“The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, signed into law by President Obama one year ago today, has funded thousands of jobs in Iowa and saved our economy from total collapse,” said Iowa Democratic Party Chairman Michael Kiernan.
“The bill has kept teachers in the classroom and police officers on the streets. Iowa’s working families have seen a tax break because of this bill, and small businesses have received loans to help them build their businesses and create more jobs. And though they are now touting its successes, both Rep. King and Grassley voted against the Recovery Act and stood in the way of relief for millions of American families. This is pure politics and hypocrisy at its worst.
“On this day, I want to thank President Obama and Iowa Democrats like Senator Tom Harkin and Congressmen Boswell, Braley, and Loebsack for their leadership on this issue as they continue to work day-in and day-out to get our economy back on track. And I urge Republicans like Rep. King and Senator Grassley to stop playing politics and get to work helping the people of Iowa, like we elected them to do. Iowans deserve better.”
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Rep. Steve King (IA-5) Had No Problem Announcing Federal Highway Funds For Iowa, Coming From Stimulus.” “Rep. Steve King, R-Iowa, announced today that $570,000 for the U.S. Highway 20 widening project has been included in the federal stimulus bill signed by President Barack Obama earlier in the week.” [Sioux City Journal; 3/13/09]
Sen. Grassley Sent Two Letters to USDA Asking for Stimulus Funding. “Sen. Charles E. Grassley of Iowa, the ranking Republican on the Senate Finance Committee, was yet another lawmaker who voted against the stimulus and later backed applications for stimulus money in two letters to the Agriculture Department. ‘If the funds are there, Senator Grassleys going to help Iowa, rather than some other state, get its share,’ spokeswoman Jill Kozeny said.” [Washington Times, 2/9/10]