Ensign on short side of 95-3 vote on bill for Nevada aid

Friday, May 16, 2003 | 11:30 a.m.

SUN STAFF AND WIRE REPORTS

Sen. John Ensign, R-Nev., was one of only three senators who voted against a popular measure that included an extra $78 million in federal aid for Nevada.

The amendment provides Nevada and other states with money for extra Medicaid payments and grant funding. Ensign opposed the amendment to the Senate's tax cut plan Thursday.

"He just felt that in a time when the government is in a deficit situation that it was irresponsible to add to that," Ensign spokesman Jack Finn told the Sun. "He sympathizes with the plight of the states, but he does not believe the solution is to dig deeper into the federal coffers."

Ensign joined Sens. Trent Lott, R-Miss., and Don Nickles, R-Okla., in opposing the state aid amendment in a 95-3 vote. Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., voted for the amendment, which would have funneled $20 billion to states.

"The state of Nevada is one of the 49 states that is desperate for money," Reid said during floor debate, referring to the number of states with deficits. "I think this is one of the best (amendments) we have had."

Ensign has supported Bush's call for massive tax cuts. Bush initially requested a $726 billion tax cut, which he said would stimulate job growth.

Despite deficit spending, Ensign believes tax cuts are the best way to stimulate the economy, Finn said.

The Senate Thursday passed a $350 billion tax cut package, half what Bush requested. Ensign voted for the final bill; Reid opposed it.

The House version, approved last week, calls for $550 billion in tax cuts and does not include state aid. A panel of House-Senate negotiators could begin work on a compromise tax package as early as next week.