House 'No' Vote On Stimulus Bill Was Bipartisan Action

The House of Representatives voted to approve the Obama Administration's $790 billion economic stimulus bill on a largely party-line vote of 246-183. News accounts were quick to note that, like the preliminary measure passed by the House last week, the bill passed without one Republican voting in favor. But those fretting over the lack of bi-partisanship in the stimulus debate need look no further than the coalition of Republicans and seven brave Democrats that came together in opposition to the massive spending plan.

Last week, 11 Democrats voted with all 178 Republicans against the stimulus. Democratic leaders were able to cajole four of them to adhere to party-discipline with their votes on the House-Senate compromise bill presented today. Their efforts at arm-twisting were likely just as intense as the Republican leadership's lobbying of its swing votes members. Democrats' efforts were just not as successful. Then again, they didn't need to be. Democrats possess more than enough votes in the House to pass any bill they wish, without the support of a single Republican. Republicans, on the other hand, needed to demonstrate to their political support base that the party has returned to its fiscally conservative principles. Two successive 'no' votes on massive spending bills will redound well to their benefit in future elections.

When the stimulus bill passes the Senate late today or tomorrow, it will be wholly owned by the Democratic Party and the Obama Administration. Obama himself has admitted publicly that he will ultimately be judged on the effectiveness of this first major piece of legislation to cross his desk. A bi-partisan group of lawmakers in the House stood against the bill, despite the media's focus on the Republican caucus. Conservatives rejoiced at the result of the vote, even in defeat. They believe that Republicans have sowed the seeds of a comeback with their principled opposition.