Bobby Bright votes against final version of Stimulus Bill

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed the final version of H.R. 1, the economic stimulus bill known as the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. However, U.S. Rep. Bobby Bright, D-Montgomery, voted against the bill.

Bright voted against the initial version of the bill last week, stating there was too much spending and not enough stimulus in the bill. Friday, Bright said there were not enough changes in the bill to warrant a vote in favor of its passage.

The bill passed 246-183 along mostly party lines. Bright was one of seven Democrats to vote no.

“There is no doubt that we are in tough economic times and the American people are expecting action from Congress,“ Bright said in a statement released after Friday afternoon’s vote.  “They also expect us to make smart, sound, and deliberate decisions which reflect the tremendous responsibility that Americans have placed in lawmakers’ hands.  With this in mind, I could not vote for final passage of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

“This bill has been rushed through Congress with little debate or opportunity to offer meaningful changes and as a result, the response from my constituents has been overwhelmingly in opposition to this bill,“ Bright said. “ They have little faith that a nearly $800 billion bill will be worth its tremendous price tag.  I share their concerns, and I have not been convinced that this is the right—and necessary – action to take for the future of America.“