Pork or Stimulus? Wrangling Sharpens Over 2nd Bailout

Partisan battle lines already being drawn as economic slump appears to worsen

By Ambreen Ali, Newser User

Posted Oct 16, 2008 12:25 PM CDT

(Newser) – Congress’ partisan battle over the Wall Street bailout could look amateur compared to what lies ahead, the Los Angeles Times reports, as lawmakers consider a second stimulus package to keep the nation out of a steep recession. Republicans want tax cuts, while Democrats are pushing infrastructure projects and other federal spending—and relief might have to wait until after the election.

As consumers shrink from spending, Democrats suggest spending $150 billion on road and school construction, unemployment benefits, Medicare and tax incentives for businesses to hire. Republicans, who advocate dropping corporate and capital-gains taxes to boost jobs, say the Democrat bill is “pork-barrel spending masquerading as stimulus” and threaten it could “dramatically aggravate” an already-worsening situation.

Democrats Harry Reid, left, and Barack Obama suggest a $150 billion infrastructure-focused package to keep America out of a recession. (AP Photo)

Republicans allege the Democratic stimulus package is just pork-barrel spending that could aggravate the economy further. (AP Photo)

President Bush opposes funding infrastructure projects and extending unemployment benefits, White House officials say. (AP Photo)

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Pork or Stimulus? Wrangling Sharpens Over 2nd Bailout

Partisan battle lines already being drawn as economic slump appears to worsen

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Congress • partisanship • recession • tax cuts • pork barrel spending • holiday sales • economic stimulus package • financial crisis

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Lawmakers Use Earmarks to Aid Own Properties

Just a coincidence that pork benefits own real estate, they say

House Won't Pass 2-Month Payroll Tax Cut: Boehner

Will instead call for quick talks on one-year extension

Obama Pushes Payroll Tax Cut Amid GOP Split

President puts pressure on Congress to act

Colin Powell: Tea Party Candidates Can't Win

But Dems, GOP also too partisan, he tells Christiane Amanpour

Americans to Spend Nearly $7B on Halloween Stuff

That's more than double 2005's amount

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Pork or Stimulus? Wrangling Sharpens Over 2nd Bailout

Partisan battle lines already being drawn as economic slump appears to worsen

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Congress • partisanship • recession • tax cuts • pork barrel spending • holiday sales • economic stimulus package • financial crisis

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Lawmakers Use Earmarks to Aid Own Properties

Just a coincidence that pork benefits own real estate, they say

House Won't Pass 2-Month Payroll Tax Cut: Boehner

Will instead call for quick talks on one-year extension

Obama Pushes Payroll Tax Cut Amid GOP Split

President puts pressure on Congress to act

Colin Powell: Tea Party Candidates Can't Win

But Dems, GOP also too partisan, he tells Christiane Amanpour

Americans to Spend Nearly $7B on Halloween Stuff

That's more than double 2005's amount

About Us

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Newser By Users

Community

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Tools

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What is Newser?