Amnesia Alert: Richard Burr Touts Stimulus Money In North Carolina While Blasting Stimulus In DC
Burr Then: Stimulus Package "Wasteful"
Burr Now: Taking Credit For Projects He Opposed
Senator Richard Burr, an outspoken critic of the economic stimulus package, showed himself to be a hypocrite when he recently took credit for a project funded by the stimulus package, which he voted AGAINST this past February. Senator Burr traveled to Bethlehem, North Carolina, to "present" to the Bethelehem Community Volunteer Fire Department a grant worth $2 million, which the fire department had won. Burr said of the grant, which was provided through federal funds made possible by the stimulus package, "this is a great thing for this country" and that "we're not accustomed to federal dollars in that magnitude finding their way to North Carolina." However, Burr voted against the stimulus package and has called the stimulus package "wasteful," "hastily-written" and said it would provide "little to no stimulus." Burr's flip-flop reeks of hypocrisy and his pandering is blatant for all to see.
"Richard Burr is trying to pull a fast one on the people of North Carolina," said Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee Communications Director Eric Schultz. "Make no mistake about it, Richard Burr voted against this funding for the Bethlehem Fire Department, but now thinks he can stage photo-ops taking credit for it. Richard Burr likes to say one thing in North Carolina and another thing in Washington DC - and that's why he's so vulnerable next November."
Burr Voted Against the Recovery Stimulus Package. In February 2009, Burr voted against a $787 billion stimulus package. The legislation was a combination of fast-acting tax cuts and longer-term government spending on public works projects, education, health care, energy and technology. But, according to an analysis by the Congressional Budget Office, more than 74 percent of the money will be spent within the next 18 months. [New York Times, 2/13/09; Vote 64, 2/13/09]
Burr Blasted Stimulus a "Hastily-Written Bill" Passed With "Very Little Thought" That "Provided Little to No Stimulus." In February 2009, Burr blasted the economic stimulus package as a hastily passed bill that would provide minimal stimulus to the economy. "In typical Washington fashion, we have thrown together a hastily-written bill with little public input, little debate, and very little thought about the long-term consequences of what we are passing. By spending nearly a trillion dollars on projects that expand the government but provide little to no stimulus, we are ensuring a massive debt for our grandchildren."-- Republican Sen. Richard Burr. [Raleigh News & Observer, 2/14/09]
Burr Criticized Economic Stimulus as "No More Than a Two Year Temporary Employment Program." As reported by the Charlotte Observer, "Burr, who voted against the economic stimulus package, said he favors a smaller stimulus more focused on public works likely to have long-term economic impact. He said he fears the current plan will be 'no more than a two-year temporary employment program.' He said he is concerned the stimulus will result in a long-term deficit." [Charlotte Observer, 4/9/09]
Burr: Stimulus Bill is "The Wrong Action" With "Little Stimulus to Overall Economy." In February 2009, Burr dismissed the stimulus bill as "the wrong action" that would not provide adequate stimulus for the economy. "'The current economic crisis we are facing requires action, but the stimulus bill that was voted on in the Senate today was the wrong action. It will spend nearly a trillion dollars on projects to expand government programs, and would provide little stimulus to the overall economy.' - Sen. Richard Burr, R-N.C., who voted against it." [Charlotte Observer, 2/11/09]
Burr: Stimulus Unlikely To Produce Stimulus or Create Jobs. In 2009, Burr announced his opposition to the economic stimulus package, predicting that the bill would unlikely stimulate the economy or create jobs. "The legislation currently being debated in Congress would spend almost a trillion dollars of borrowed money on projects and programs that are unlikely to produce any real broad-based stimulus or create jobs that will still be here two years from now." [The Wilson Daily Times, 1/31/09]
Burr: Stimulus "Wrong Course of Action," Will Not Support the Bill. After voting against the economic stimulus package Burr released a statement that said, "We all agree that we need to act to get our economy turned around and back on the right track, but instead of fixing housing first and giving individuals, families, and small businesses the freedom to know they would keep more of their own money, we have chosen to spend now and ask questions later. This was the wrong course of action, and that is why I could not support this bill." [Burr Statement, 2/13/09]
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