AMAC Exclusive
Often as a legislative recess approaches, lawmakers who had before been staunchly opposed to particular legislation suddenly fold, and bitter divisions over controversial bills miraculously melt away amid the longing for a days’ or weeks’ long hiatus from Washington. The phenomenon is referred to as “smelling jet fumes” and, for better or for worse, it is one of the most powerful drivers of legislative action in the modern Congress. The debate over Biden’s $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill has again shown this to be the case, with more than a dozen Republicans voting with Democrats to advance the legislation as Senators anxiously await their traditional August recess. But over the weekend, one Senator, Bill Hagerty of Tennessee, remained firm as the sole individual blocking expedited passage of the bill, marking a courageous stand for conservatives everywhere opposed to Biden’s unprecedented spending binge.
The standoff between Hagerty and the rest of the Senate began last Thursday following the release of a Congressional Budget Office (CBO) score that found that the infrastructure bill would increase the national debt by $256 billion. Previously, proponents of the bill on both sides of the political aisle had assured skeptical Republicans that the legislation’s $550 billion in new spending would be completely paid for by re-allocating unused funds from other areas of the budget and would not add any unpaid-for spending. The CBO’s analysis undercuts that assertion, something that Hagerty cited as a primary reason for his opposition to the bill.
Under Senate rules, all 100 Senators must agree to move forward on a bill in order to limit debate on the legislation. The motion to dispense with debate is usually accomplished through what is known as a unanimous consent agreement, whereby Senators simply have to withhold objection in order for the motion to pass. In this case, Hagerty alone objected, forcing the Senate to open the floor for debate, and stalling passage of the bill.
“I was asked consent to expedite the process and pass [the infrastructure bill]” Hagerty said in a written statement. “I could not, in good conscience, allow that to happen at this hour – especially when the objective of the majority is to hurry up and pass this bill so that they can move quickly to their $3.5 trillion tax-and-spend spree designed to implement the Green New Deal and increase Americans’ dependence on the government, so I objected.”
Former President Donald Trump, who has spoken out against passage of the infrastructure bill, tipped his hat to Haggerty in a statement on Sunday, writing, “Congratulations to Senator Bill Hagerty in remaining true to ‘AMERICA FIRST!’”
Yet Hagerty’s opposition, which forced the Senate to convene both days this weekend, did not win him any friends among the cadre of Republicans hoping to quickly pass the bill, including Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. Democrats were even more irked, with Senator Chris Coons of Delaware reportedly interrupting an interview to accuse Hagerty of holding up debate on the bill.
But Hagerty was not backing down, despite the admonishments of Democrats and even some Republicans. “I wasn’t elected by the people of Tennessee to be the most popular person in the Senate,” Hagerty said. “I was elected to stand up for their interests.”
Hagerty has also voiced a concern shared by many Republicans (and also recently reported by AMAC Newsline) that passage of the $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill will simply clear the way for Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to ram through Biden’s $3.5 trillion social welfare bill under the budget reconciliation process, which only needs a simple majority to pass.
All indications point to those fears being well-founded as the infrastructure bill nears final passage. On Sunday, despite the fact that Schumer and several other Democrat Senators have repeatedly claimed that they wanted to consider amendments to the infrastructure bill, Arizona Democrat Kyrsten Sinema, an alleged moderate who led the coalition of Senators that crafted the legislation, blocked Hagerty from introducing a set of amendments. Hagerty responded that the move revealed “[Democrats’] true intention” of quickly moving to passage of the $3.5 trillion bill, which Hagerty has called “a socialist debt bomb.”
Hagerty has repeatedly emphasized that he is not opposed to moving forward on amendments to the infrastructure bill, but Schumer has thus far refused to bring any amendment to the floor for debate unless Hagerty withdraws his opposition to moving forward on the overall bill. “It’s obvious that Senator Schumer is staging this in a way to put additional pressure on people,” Hagerty said. “He doesn’t care about good infrastructure. Clearly, if he did, he’d allow the amendment process to go forward.” Previously, Schumer had planned on bringing forward less than 25 amendments of the more than 150 that were filed.
Hagerty’s procedural delay tactics are unlikely to prevent final passage of the bill, which is expected sometime on Tuesday. However, his opposition has provided fresh opportunity to highlight flaws in the legislation and refocused the national spotlight on Democrats’ overtly partisan legislation that is soon to follow.
In addition, Hagerty’s resistance has become a powerful symbol of holding firm to conservative principles even amid pressure from within the Republican establishment. Such actions are sure to energize conservatives across the country who are hungry for leaders who will not compromise on core values in the interest of appearing “bipartisan.” Looking ahead to next year, if Republicans wish to retake Congress, more GOP hopefuls may do well to follow Hagerty’s example, lest voters view them as no stronger on the issues than their Democratic counterparts.
There are a bunch of ( R ) RINO Sen. who voted for this tax and spend debacle. The RNC needs to have them all replaced by true conservatives.
We as conservative voters, some Republican, some Conservative and even some Libertarian need to vet those running for a conservative office even better, ask tougher questions and share what we find out…we have been hood winked way too many times in past elections, even for president (does not include Trump). I live in Florida, I am seriously worried with all the up north and California people moving here, at least a thousand a day..that they will change our Red state Blue…I have been here 45 years and read nothing but complains about the area by those coming in from up north on Community Chats…they did not check things out well…I am a senior and very worried about our future down here and for our country for my grandkids and great-grandkids…who the
Good for Sen. Haggerty! Now only if we had more Senators and Congressman with spines.
I heard that Dr. Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. said, “You do it BECAUSE it’s the RIGHT thing to do.” I don’t know if I got it exactly, but I think “point made”. Striving to please people, doing what’s wrong . . . “REALLY”?! Our reasons for doing 95% of things should be what’s helpful, Godly, proper, & the like. The other 5%: “do you want chocolate or strawberry?”
I’m pleased to know there is someone, in Congress, with principles, who actually cares about his constituents. It’s frightening that there are so many traitors making decisions that endanger America and the American people, and benefit no one but themselves.
Good for him… someone with convictions and a spine!
In case you haven’t noticed or haven’t been in a position to notice, inflation is on the rise. Inflation is the way our Fed government raises taxes without seeming to do so. It’s gonna bite the economy in the hindquarters one of these days, and the panic will be on. When the government wants to use the economy to further its political hold and popularity, it just “prints” more money (actually they don’t even have to print it … just say its there). Are you ready for $4.00/gal for gasoline … don’t be surprised if that isn’t the case this time next year. Taxation takes on the shroud of legally stealing assets (money) by inflation. Americans elected (with a rigged election) and the consequences will be falling heavily in the next few years on mostly people who really get hurt by it. As we drift to Communism under the leadership of the DemocRats and a few give-up Republicans, be prepared ,.. hang on to your assets … today’s dollars will not be worth what they are now worth in a big way in the future. The depression era of the 1930’s has drifted into anonymity with the passing of a huge population that had to live thru it, never realizing it was a creation of bad governance until it took a major war to gin up the economy.
When we can’t borrow more money the government will print it. Inflation will go nuts, the world economy will tumble and the yen will become the world currency unless…
I am a strong conservative Republican . I support term limits for members of Congress who have been there too many years. This is the question…will Congress vote itself a benefit decrease or out of office? No. Will Congress approve term limits for themselves? No. Highly unlikely. Successful term limits must be instituted in some other manner. How?
Thank you Senator Hagerty.
As a NY’er’s, we’re poisoned with Schumer who cares for no one but himself
Career politician ????
Senator Bill Hagerty has shown us what a statesman does. He stands up for the people in his state and the people of America. He has shown courage in the face of those trying to remake America into a bankrupt third world marxist, globalist, green new deal mess.
Thank you, Senator Haggerty, for standing on your conservative principles for the people of your state. Obviously, my Alabama state senators don’t have the guts to do the same.
Conservative Americans have been stabbed in the back by Mitch McConnell , Lindsey Graham and the rest of the Rinos….As America sinks into economic collapse& hard times,,,Never forget the 19 back stabbers that colluded with the America hating Democrats
God bless Bill Hagerty! Chuck Grassley of Iowa knuckled under and supported this nonsense and totally lost all support from me. Time to Grassley out to pasture!
When my RINO senator voted for cloture, I sent him a hot email. Shortly after, he announced he would vote against the bill on final passage. Wonder how many other voters contacted him?
One of the turncoat republicans that voted in favor of screwing the American people on the 1.2 trillion infrastructure is my senator, THEY WILL NOT GET MY PRIMARY VOTE next time around!
Someone please tell the GOP what we expected was 50 no votes.
I am bombarded daily with Republicans requesting money for what they are currently standing for. However, when the chips were down they didn’t ‘stand’ for anything. How is the average American supposed to help make changes when our elected officials care more about catching a flight home for recess than standing up for what is right. If they haven’t the back bone to fight for what is right for us, why should we support them?
I heard this Senator on the weekly Heritage Action call, describe how he tried to get this bill delayed or stopped because of the sneaky way it was being passed. The progressives think that the American people don’t need to know what they are doing and will accept anything.
This bill that Schumer tried to sneak in during the middle of the night no less is fraught with nothing to do with real infrastructure but a way to shovel non-existing “Green New Deal” ideas.
But it will have a major problem passing in the House because it has to include a budget reconciliation that cannot be pushed away. Plus Nancy Pelosi won’t pass it because it doesn’t have her 3.5 trillion wishlist addition on top of this 1.2 trillion dollars. At least this Senator got the American people very aware of the sneaky not-needed additions and the tactics being used to pass the bill without a budget reconciliation.
A bipartisan bill is one in which each side gives some and gets some. What, in this irresponsible bill, is there that the Repubs got? Bridges, roads? No, that’s a no brainer. Where is the demand for closing the border, adding back in the Hyde Amendment for appropriations, no follow on 3.5T socialist betrayal bill – something that the Repubs stand for. This is not the way forward for the Republican Party nor the Nation.
Thank you, Senator Hagerty, for standing up for the the American people to oppose all the debt spending in this bill. I sure wish my Kentucky senators had the guts to stand with you.
Haggerty is doing what we elected him to do. Remember “All it takes for evil to triumph is that good men do nothing”.
This good man did something.
Thank You Senator Haggerty for standing up for the people of America. I wish our senator murkowski was as caring for we the people instead of we the democrats
Funny how I don’t recall anybody calling for this kind of bill to be introduced. Did “they” forget to ask the PEOPLE what we wanted? Oh….yeah, I forgot they don’t care what we want!
Thank you Mr. Haggerty for standing up for Tennessee and America.
1 out of 100 has a spine. How sad
This should put those RINOS in cheap suites on notice and who to get rid of, one way or the other!
A Coup? Forceful MARCHES to their Offices and let them know what they have done?
I for ONE AM ready to FIGHT!!!
98% of all these congress people don’t care at all about you or I. I can count on ONE hand the congress people who act as they should- the rest are “useful(useless?)idiots”. Once these “elected ones” get in their offices, they find a buffet of treasures at their beckon call. It’s like winning the lottery Jackpot. Our needs and wants are soon forgotten- even the best of intentions are overwhelmed by all the perks and freebees. TWO terms max for all offices would help reduce this.
I just called Mr. Haggerty’s office to leave the message that I am so proud of his courage to stand up and say “no” to a bill that was not good for his country and its fine people. More ought to call him and perhaps we should call those who represent out states who voted yes to tell them how proud we are of Sen. Haggerty and how we hope they will be as courageous!
Good for Hagerty. I was born and raised in ND and am so disappointed to see both ND senators on the list. I really thought they were smarter than to vote for something this awful. I would like to see the reasoning, if any, behind all these RINO’s votes. No more money from me to support any of them.
I will donate as much as posable to replace every senator Democrat, Libertarian or Republican that votes for this Bill. We are all watching.
What is wrong with these elected officials that think it’s ok to commit to spending $4.6 trillion of our money? We can tear apart the junk that is in these bills as being far left socialist wishes too, but just the enormity of the spend alone should frighten every one of us….
All I say is I regret voting for Senator Graham in 2020 and I can’t wait for President Trump to come back. And Senator Haggerty I applaud him for standing his ground.
Thanks AMAC for this article, and thank you Senator Bill Hagerty (Tenn) for taking this stand. We cannot continue to increase our National Debt. I am sure it helps that Hagerty is not running for reelection in 2022 & does not have to bend to powers in Republican Party. We need more independent Senators in Washington.
Senator Hagerty is courageous and wise enough to understand the implications of this bill. This bill should be picked apart and the pork barrel legislation and the portions furthering the political agenda of the illegal, treasonous faction that seized power thru election fraud, thrown out. This bill is a disaster. Thanks for your stance, Sen. Hagerty!
Mitch McConnell has worked so hard along with Lindsey Graham ,behind the scene, to give Biden a victory, now they’ll go for the big one, including the biggest tax increases in the history of our Country.
Thank God for Haggerty, it’s way past time to purge the wolf in sheep clothing so call Republicans that continue to promise constitutional values only to jump on board at the last minute with the socialist and Marxist. Term limits is the answer to rid Washington of career politicians who screw future generations with unresolveable debt just to line there pockets. Why are there so many millionaire so called public servants when the job only pays $120,000 to $200,000 a year. ANYBODY LISTENING?
If only we had ‘representatives’ in DC who truly represented ‘We the People’ what a wonderful country it would be! God Bless America and keep us safe from our ‘enemies’
Bless you Bill Haggerty. Why isn’t everyone against this pork laden bill? What really upsets me are all the items in this bill that make up a totalitarian wish list. Why aren’t any of these covered in the media. Such as (starting around p. 1065 of this 2700 page monstrosity) the installation of breath monitors in ALL new cars to prevent drunk driving, and cameras and scanners to assess your mental state!! This is big brother on steroids. Take some time to read this. America, we are in big trouble.
How is this putting a spotlight on flaws in the legislation when the media never talks about it? The only people who see the information are the ones who already know it’s horrible.
Stay STRONG SENATOR HAGERTY! You’re a modern day David taking the right stand against a Goliath of socialist officials in the House! Praying for your continued wisdom, courage
Thank you Haggerty. Now if the rest of the “so called republicans” did what they were voted in to do!! Instead they turn belly up and roll over and vote for things the public that elected them to fight against.
Way to go Haggerty! We need more like him. Reminds me of Jimmy Stuart in Mr. Smith goes to Washington! Stand firm for what is RIGHT not what is POPULAR!
Amac Newsline… Shame on you for NOT listing the ( 18 ) REPUBLICANS that voted for the FAUX ” Infrastructure bill “… A bipartisan vote at 69-30? It should have been 69-48…
I’ll show a couple of them here, Roy Blunt i.e. RINO, Lisa Murkowski, i.e. RINO, Bob Portman, i.e. RINO plus ( 15 ) more… This exemplifies what Trump was up against his entire 1st term as POTUS, a completely divided House. Not a one of those ( 18 ) were ever for America First, therefore all of them need to go…This is why the Republican Party is totally & utterly a BROKEN party with very few exceptions…Once again those same SILENT voices that NEVER supported Donald J. Trump…
Actions speak louder than words & these actions are DEAFENING… :~(
Bill on the Hill… :~)
Way to go Haggerty
good for hagerty-glad he’s got the
balls to stand up for this
God bless him!
Too many of our so called loyal Republicans are no longer loyal to the American people.
Those who go alongside the Demoncrats don’t have to worry cause they get paid handsomely for doing so while the rest of America is taxed to death and can’t afford food or shelter.
Are they going to pay for my new electric driven car if this new green deal is passed?
I think not!
Haggerty’s the only Republican senator who’s doing his job!!
So good Mr Hagerty stood up for the American people.
So proud of our TN Senator Haggerty. Finally 1Senator is fighting for we the people. Feels good.