Freedom Index 2009

H.R. 1: American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009

• 02-13-2009 Senate Vote 64 (Conference Report)

Economic Stimulus. H.R. 1 provides economic stimulus over an 11 year period at a cost of $787 billion (not counting interest). The ceiling on federal borrowing was raised accordingly by $789 billion, because the money must either be borrowed or created out of thin air by the Federal Reserve. $144 billion is provided for State and Local Fiscal Relief, $111 billion for Infrastructure and Science, $81 billion for Protecting the Vulnerable, $59 billion for Health Care, $53 billion for Education, and $43 billion for Energy projects – a host of unconstitutional spending. State and local deficits will temporarily be alleviated while exploding the federal deficit, which is a zero-sum game. A moral hazard is created for state governments to continue otherwise unsustainable spending.

Through FY2019 the bill provides $212 billion in revenue reducing tax cuts along with $575 billion in spending increases in both mandatory and discretionary programs. This is the largest spending bill in U.S. history, but since it is an emergency measure it circumvents Pay-As-You-Go principles. The Senate adopted the Stimulus Plan 60-38 on February 13, 2009 (Roll Call #64), thus clearing it for the president.

The John Birch Society opposed this bill.

Final result: Adopted

Related Links

Sen. Tom Coburn (R-OK): Biggest generational theft bill ever, 02-05-09, text

Sen. Jon Kyl (R-AZ): Changes in the generally unread final bill, 02-13-09

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