In typical Republican fashion, many GOP lawmakers who voted against the new infrastructure law are claiming credit for bringing home millions in funding for projects in their districts.
Listen to the article:
"It's a tale as old as time -- Republican lawmakers fight against popular legislation that helps the American people, and then try to take credit for it," the Democratic National Committee (DNC) pointed out.
However, this time that "Vote Not and Take the Dough" scam isn't working as those hypocritical Congress people are being called out and held accountable by both national and local media outlets.
As revealed by the DNC, here are some examples:
ABC News: “House Republicans tout infrastructure funding they voted against.”
Rep. Rob Wittman, R-VA, who was one of 205 House Republicans to vote against the bipartisan, $1.5 trillion infrastructure bill, calling it irresponsible and the "Green New Deal in disguise." But then he took to Twitter to tout funding from the bill -- highlighting a $70 million expansion of the Port of Virginia in Norfolk.
Rep. Kay Granger, R-TX, touted new funding for a flood control project from the package. Last year she called it a "so-called infrastructure bill." She said it was "a “socialist plan full of crushing taxes and radical spending.”
Rep. Ashley Hinson, R-IA, a freshman lawmaker who also voted against the infrastructure bill, celebrated new "game-changing" funding to upgrade locks along the Upper Mississippi River.
Rep. Steve Scalise, R-LA, the No. 2 House Republican touted a $1 billion investment in flood protection and hurricane repairs in Louisiana funded by the package he opposed.
Los Angeles Times: “Republicans who voted against Biden’s infrastructure bill are touting its projects anyway.”
Rep. Clay Higgins (R-LA), whose district spans the southern part of the Bayou State, welcomed more than $190 million in funding for waterway projects in his district. Previously, he said he opposed “the infrastructure bill in its totality based on unwavering principle,” though he admitted “there are certain elements within the bill that my office fully supports.” (Right. Those elements that provide funding for his district. The hell with anybody else.)
MSNBC: “Republicans want credit for infrastructure bill they voted against.”
Republican Rep. Gary Palmer of Alabama touted funding in the infrastructure package that will benefit his constituents, without noting that he voted against the bill.
The Advocate: “Infrastructure money released and praised by congress people who didn't vote for the bill.”
Rep. Garret Graves, R-LA, claimed credit for bringing funding to his district despite voting against the bill. "The infrastructure bill is flawed," Graves claimed. "I'm opposed because it's not solving our infrastructure projects. ...The bill doesn't treat us fairly."
Twin Cities Pioneer Press: “Rep. Pete Stauber, R-Minn., touts grants from infrastructure bill he voted against."
U.S. Rep. Pete Stauber announced nearly $9.4 million in federal grants to airports throughout northeastern Minnesota, even though he voted against the $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill that funded the grants. The Republican congressman said he was “happy to announce” 29 airports across his district would receive grants from the Federal Aviation Administration. Most received amounts between $110,000 and $160,000, but five received at least $1 million each. “As a member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I believe strongly in the importance of investing in traditional forms of infrastructure, such as airports,” Stauber said. The press release did not include the source of the funding.
"When these Republicans had the chance to actually do something good for their constituents, they refused," Nebeyatt Betre, a spokesperson for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, said. "We're not going to let them get away with this blatant attempt to rewrite history."
The White House and the measure’s backers say the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will create thousands of jobs, address a backlog of neglected infrastructure projects, create an electric vehicle charging network across the nation, make broadband internet connectivity available across America, and more.
House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) fought the legislation, as did former President Trump. They encouraged Republican lawmakers to block the bill, insisting it was bad policy and inextricably linked to a larger "Build Back Better" Democratic social spending package, which has stalled in the Senate.
So much for GOP integrity, right?