Lamar Smith voted for the $1.1 trillion omnibus budget deal. The day after it passed in the House 359 to 67, Smith touted the vote as something admirable, a Republican victory. His Congressional site boldly stated, “Smith votes to cut spending.”
Sixty-four conservative Republicans voted against the omnibus bill. Three Democrats joined them. Those conservatives stood on principle, refusing to bow to a party-line vote or submit to “the way things work.” Fearing the bad press that accompanied the shutdown, the rest of the Republicans caved again.
The accounting of the bill has lots of details about lots of government programs and ways to spend money. There are details that are upsetting, but more important than dissecting a 1,582 page behemoth is the philosophy behind it.
Fundamentally, I believe we are playing the Democrat’s game. If the game is, “How do we spend the money?” then we’ve already lost. That game is defined by their rules. If, however, the game is, “How do we honor the Constitution?” Well then. That’s a game we can play—so the American people can win.
How did the game turn out this time? One example of the give and take: the Republicans were unable to enact legislation that would prevent the EPA from regulating greenhouse gasses (like CO2, you know, the stuff plants breathe). But they did get a concession that incandescent light bulbs will still be allowed to be produced and sold. Who won that one?
Obamacare is still on the books despite debuting by spending $600 million of our children’s money on a disastrous website and wrecking the job market. John Boehner said of the omnibus budget bill, “Also of note is the fact that we are not providing any new or additional funding for the President’s health care law.” When was the last time you haggled for a used car, bought one you didn’t want, paid more than it was worth, but bragged to your spouse, “But I didn’t buy the spare windshield wipers!” Absurd.
Personally, I don’t see one single thing to be proud of here. Our party leaders negotiate on their heels or from a position of weakness. They’re willing to play the Democrat’s game. Lamar Smith is playing that game.
Sixty-four Republicans in the House of Representatives want to change the game. I’d like to make it sixty-five. What about you?
Matt McCall
p.s. The election is March 4. The last day to register to vote is February 3.