Appropriations bill sparks dispute between Republicans
From Missouri Digital News: https://mdn.org
MDN Menu

MDN Home

Journalist's Creed

Print

MDN Help

 MDN.ORG: Missouri Digital News
MDN Menu

MDN Home

Journalist's Creed

Print

MDN Help

 MDN.ORG Mo. Digital News Missouri Digital News MDN.ORG: Mo. Digital News MDN.ORG: Missouri Digital News
Help  

Appropriations bill sparks dispute between Republicans

Date: March 11, 2009
By: Rebecca Layne
State Capitol Bureau
Links: HB 14

Intro: A House bill that would provide Missouri with more than $300 million in supplemental appropriations provoked little opposition in the Senate but still caused angry accusations on the Senate floor. RunTime:0:39
OutCue: SOC

Republican Jason Crowell argued with bill sponsor Gary Nodler about state appropriations. Despite Nodler's firm disagreement, Crowell said he has not been allowed to speak in front of the Appropriations Committee.

 

Actuality:  CRWL1.WAV
Run Time: 00:14
Description: There is some kind of weird facade that goes on within this deal that says "If I don't serve on the Appropriations Committee, I don't have an opportunity to engage in a meaningful manner in the appropriations process whatsoever." 


Despite the disagreement, Crowell voted yes to the bill. However, the dispute could signify a rift in the Republican party on how to handle appropriations.

Reporting from Jefferson City, I'm Rebecca Layne...KSMU.

Intro: A House bill on appropriations made it through the Senate with a majority vote, but that didn't prevent bickering between two Republican senators.

RunTime:0:52
OutCue: SOC

An appropriations bill that would use more than $300 million for supplemental purposes passed from the Senate back to the House with a vote of 30 to 3.

The bill, however, brought up a personal dispute between bill sponsor Republican Gary Nodler and Republican Jason Crowell.

Actuality:  CRWL2.WAV
Run Time: 00:21

Description: Crowell: Are you telling me I can't ask you questions now? Number one, you tell me I can't come to the appropriations Committee and address anything with you at the appropriations level. Now you're telling me when you bring a bill before the Senate floor, I have no ability to ask questions to you about what it is I'm voting on?   Nodler: Senator, I've answered that question, move on.   Crowell: You have not answered that question.         Nodler: Well, you're not satisfied with the answer. Too bad. 

Despite all the bickering, Crowell ended up voting for Nodler's appropriations bill.

But the heated exchange suggests a deep divide among Republicans about how to handle the state's economic and budget problems.

Reporting from Jefferson City, I'm Rebecca Layne...KSMU.