Issue: H.J. Res. 124 Making continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2015, and for other purposes.
Result: Passed in House, 319 to 108, 4 not voting. Became Public Law 113-164 (signed by the president, 9-19-14). GOP and Democrats scored.
From the Congressional Research Service Summary: Provides continuing FY2015 appropriations to federal agencies at the current annual rate until December 11, 2014, or enactment of specified appropriations legislation.
(Sec. 101) Appropriates funds to federal agencies for continuing projects and activities at the rate and under the authority and conditions provided in the applicable divisions of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2014:
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(Sec. 147) Extends the operating authority of the Export-Import Bank through June 30, 2015.
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The joint resolution also authorizes the Secretary of Defense (DOD) to provide assistance in Syria.
Analysis: This appropriations measure illustrates that, despite GOP posturing, there really is little will in Washington to limit government. Once again, the House “postponed” tough action, blowing another opportunity to use its power of the purse to reduce unconstitutional spending.
The continuing resolution extended federal spending thru December 11, 2014 at the same level and for the same unconstitutional programs as the Congress had approved in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2014 (see FFS Scorecard, House Roll Call 21, January 15, 2014).
The Export-Import Bank
Buried within the continuing resolution was another extension, for one year, of the Export-Import Bank charter, due to expire on September 30th. The Obama administration had sought a five-year reauthorization of the 80-year old bank and an increase in its lending cap from $140 billion to $160 billion.
In recent years, the Bank had become the target of weak conservative opposition, which merely characterized the Bank as a “bad idea”, as “promoting corporate welfare,” and as “crony capitalism.” In reality, the Export-Import Bank has served the internationalist Conspiracy for decades as a workhorse, funding America’s enemies and advancing internationalist objectives.
Earlier this year, political hype speculated that the House might refuse to renew the Bank’s charter. This was nonsense, as any serious effort to force the Bank’s retirement would have to recognize the Conspiracy’s influence in Washington, something few politicians are willing to do.
Establishment Domination
When considering the appropriations resolution, the primary issue debated by the House was neither federal spending nor the Ex-Im Bank renewal but an amendment to authorize the Obama administration to train and arm Syrian rebels.
On September 17, the House approved H.J. Res.124 with sizeable bipartisan majorities: Republicans voted in favor, 176 to 53, and Democrats, 143 to 55. The Senate approved the measure the next day (Senate vote 270) by a vote of 78 to 22, and President Obama signed it into law the following day.
When the Insider-Establishment agenda beckons, the president, senators, and congressmen, irrespective of party, dutifully fall in line.
We have assigned (good vote) to the Noes and (bad vote) to the Ayes. (P = voted present; ? = not voting; blank = not listed on roll call.)