Isakson Rejects Democrats’ Massive Spending Bill

Feb 10, 2009

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., today voted against the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, disputing Democrats’ claims that it will invigorate the nation’s economy.

While the Senate agreed unanimously to add to the bill Isakson’s provision to offer a $15,000 tax credit to those who buy a house in the next year, Isakson said he had to vote against the overall bill because it contained too much spending on items that will not stimulate the economy.

“Unfortunately, this bill is riddled with spending and is yet another example of Congress throwing money at the symptoms but not the root of the problem,” said Isakson. “While there are some good provisions in the bill, it is primarily spending money on programs that should not be categorizes as stimulus and will not do anything to help our economy. Funding studies of global warming or re-seeding the Capitol lawn aren’t going to stimulate anything.”

The legislation passed in the Senate by a vote of 61 to 37.