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Published Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2010 | 4:27 p.m.
Updated Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2010 | 4:29 p.m.
Winter vacation is finally starting for members of the House of Representatives — though for one Nevada rep, it looks like it came a little bit early.
The Democrats’ reign of the House of Representatives officially ended at precisely 6 p.m., when the body was gaveled out after a final vote, on a measure to approve health care for first responders to the 9-11 attacks.
The measure passed by a healthy margin of 206-60. And if that looks like a weird vote count for a 435-strong House, it should.
One hundred and sixty-eight members of the House of Representatives decided not to stick around Washington to see out the session to its end, apparently including Nevada’s Dean Heller, who didn’t cast a vote.
To be sure, this isn’t the most directly vital piece of legislation to the state of Nevada — a point Senator John Ensign reminded of earlier today, when he pointed out that the 9/11 bill had nearly stripped funds from the Travel Promotion Act he and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid had championed through Congress earlier this year.
“The Travel Promotion Act is vital to repairing our state’s tourism industry and one of many important steps that we need to take to get Nevadans back to work,” Ensign said in a statement. “I am proud that the people of our state will be protected against the misappropriation of these important funds, while still providing help to these first responders.”
But supporters have championed it as a debt owed for the service of those professionals and laypeople who were first on the scene performing heroic rescues as the Twin Towers collapsed in Manhattan, but sustained everything from lost limbs to severe respiratory conditions. An estimated 70 percent of the 9/11 first responders have some sort of health ailment as a result of their efforts during and after the terror attack.
“The patriots who rushed into burning buildings, saved lives, and helped us rebuild from the rubble of 9/11 are genuine American heroes,” Reid said in a statement. “These first responders went above and beyond the call of duty in our country’s hour of greatest need. Just as they helped us recover from 9/11, we will take care of them.”
The 9/11 bill’s fate was touch-and-go in the Senate until this afternoon, when lawmakers struck a deal to circumvent objections raised by Senator Tom Coburn of Oklahoma (yes, the same one who wants to get rid of the Neon Boneyard) and clear it by unanimous consent.
But back to the House.
It’s unlikely that Heller’s vote, whether for or against the bill, would have counted for much, even with almost 40 percent of the House gone. Nearly equal numbers of Republicans and Democrats were missing: 79 Dems, and 89 GOPers.
Still, he was the one member of Nevada’s delegation not to weigh in on the issue today.
Both of Nevada Democratic Representatives, Shelley Berkley and Dina Titus — for whom the 9/11 bill represented the last vote she’ll take in Congress — cast votes in favor of the legislation.
"Still, he (Heller) was the one member of Nevada's delegation not to weigh in on the issue today.
Both of Nevada Democratic Representatives, Shelley Berkley and Dina Titus -- for whom the 9/11 bill represented the last vote she'll take in Congress --cast votes in favor of the legislation."
This speaks volumes.
The Republicans just don't care. Those that pay the ultimate sacrifice for their country don't matter to them. They're just pawns in party politics for them.
Get ready for the next two years. Republicans will not go to lengths where they will shut down government, but they have already went on record that they intend to defund, obstruct, get in the way and throw monkey wrenches left and right to try to do something, anything to take away legislation from the previous two years.
Good luck with that too.
I do agree that elections have consequences. But this even carries into the future. If the Republicans make the slightest step towards getting in the way of national health care, a system to be set in place that makes it an inalienable right that everyone receives quality, affordable and available health care, then they need to understand they are no longer going to be effective as an elected official. What can be given can be IMMEDIATELY taken away. They need to understand that when you give something to the American people, and then you take it away, it will automatically lead to political suicide.
We're holding them to it too. And they can't hide behind this dumb mantra "we're doing the will of the people." They aren't. I'm so tired of this stupid rhetoric they learn from watching Fox PORNO (Political Organization-Republican News Only) News.
And this goes for soon-to-be Rep. Heck. You need to represent us. Not the party. Not yourself. US, DAMNIT! US!
I feel it is imperate to remind Mr. Heck that his predecessor voted for this. To help Nevadans. And it is not in Mr. Heck's best interest to go against this. Because he WILL NOT represent Nevadans if he takes even the smallest step to stop even the slightest policy of national health care reform from happening. And he needs to understand that we will easily slap him out of power if he follows this course of action. Fair warning, Mr. Heck. What can be given can be easily taken away. You're on notice. And you WILL be constantly reminded of your obligations too.
Many existing laws and regulations apply specifically to pregnant women. Several provisions of the Affordable Care Act offer new benefits for expecting mothers. Search online for "Wise Health Insurance" if you need affordable insurance for yourself or your wife.
Heck leaves early or Heller??? what's the difference Heck or Hell...same thing. They are both lazy self dealers. Heck has turned his back on struggling homeowners, small businesses and the unemployed. "unemployed are hobos" Heller gets free medical for life from the taxpayers as he blocks medical coverage for sick children on Christmas.
Heck will be violating zoning and fire codes if he lives in his office...I pity his office staff... does he wear PJs??
He also will be using his office as an apartment, which means he will have to declare it as income...what's a studio apt. in DC go for...$18k a year??
I'm filing a complaint with the IRS and the DC zoning people.
So, the worst Congress in the history of the nation is gone. GOOD RIDDANCE! The 111th Congress spent more money than every administration from George Washington through George W. Bush COMBINED! And they leave us with a $14 trillion debt. Now we are going to be expecting the 112th Congress to fix the horrendous disasters of the past 2 years. It's a near impossibility with the Senate and the White House still full of outlaws. Soon the interest on our debt to China will be completely financing their military. How nice. That's just the INTEREST, before we begin (if we ever do) paying on the principal. Way to go, 111th Congress! You have likely destroyed our nation.
To ColinFromLasVegas: If the GOP House in the 112th Congress cuts spending A LOT, they will indeed be doing the will of the People. Someone in DC has to have the fortitude to do the right thing and the liberals have no such fortitude. Yes, the government media will be ranting and raving over the coming cuts in the budget. Yes, the sacred cows who have been feeding at the federal trough for decades will scream like a mashed cat. Yes, individuals who have been riding welfare as a way of life will be crying big liberal tears. TOO DARN BAD!-----And you are wrong to accuse the GOP members of wanting to deny healthcare to the NYC rescue workers. They only tried, and succeeded, getting the WASTE cut out of the measure, thereby saving the taxpayers money without denying our gallant servants their needs.
mred: When I read posts from liberals it reminds me of Nevada's State Tree. The bristlecone pines are very twisted, too.
Go ahead and rat your foolish bias to IRS, DC zoning and any other gestapo agency you want. This crap is all you libs have to offer.
Merry Christmas.
Heller will now resume plugging his ears and singing "na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na, hey, hey, hey, doing fine."
The citizens of Nevada can only expect more disrespect, lack of being heard, and being truly served!
Way to go, Heller. You are a fine political speciman. Should we hold you up as an example for our children to emulate?