Despite earlier supporting the bipartisan infrastructure legislation that is making its way through Congress, Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) totally flip-flopped on it after disgraced Florida retiree Donald Trump threatened his re-election.
The $1.2 trillion package is critically needed, not only because it will create millions of jobs, but will also rebuild our crumbling roads and bridges and other infrastructure that has been neglected for decades.
The bill has a good chance of passing with Republican support, but Trump said on Saturday that “It will be very hard for me to endorse anyone foolish enough to vote in favor of this deal.”
And it didn’t take long for Young to withdraw his support for the legislation. In fact, he made a statement announcing his opposition on Sunday.
“Having reviewed the Congressional Budget Office’s (CBO) estimated fiscal impact of this legislation as currently constructed, and frankly still not being comfortable with a number of the Democratic priorities contained in this version, I will vote ‘no,'” he wrote, going on to declare that he doesn’t agree with the CBO assessment.
My statement on the infrastructure bill: pic.twitter.com/LAyk2wnUUU
— Senator Todd Young (@SenToddYoung) August 9, 2021
It’s hypocritical since Young had no problem voting for the 2017 GOP tax law that gave trillions of dollars to the wealthy and corporations. The CBO warned at the time that it would hurt the economy and significantly reduce revenues, both of which have come to pass. The infrastructure bill would actually be good for the economy and would benefit all Americans.
Young’s flip-flop immediately drew backlash for his cowardice, including by his potential Democratic challenger, Thomas McDermott.
.@tommcdermottjr—the Hammond mayor and ex-Navy, Notre Dame-educated lawyer who is weighing a Democratic challenge to @SenToddYoung —attacks his pivot on infrastructure. pic.twitter.com/4iRhcDupZP
— Adam Wren (@adamwren) August 9, 2021
Why are you always on the wrong side of historic votes?
— D-Nice (@Deniseck) August 9, 2021
Aaaand I was actually thinking of pulling a Republican primary ballot for the first time and voting for you, until now.
This is nonsense:
– Complain about covid relief adding to debt
– Reallocate to infrastructure
– Complain about same dollar of debt a second time— Justin Gould (@SkyMogul72) August 9, 2021
Debt under the last admin. increased by 7.8 *trillion*. You did/said nothing. Now that Hoosiers need you to vote for necessary improvements to roads and bridges, you plan to vote ‘no’. I will support whomever opposes you next year and I’m bookmarking this statement.
— DemocratInIndiana (@indiana_2020) August 9, 2021
Senator what has changed. You were proud of the bipartisan 20
Senators that worked on the package. Stop the petty partisan politics and please pass the bill as it stands. It is good for the country and long overdue. It is good for the economy as it will generate tax revenue— doug (@doug74068661) August 9, 2021
Very disappointing, Senator. Since you are so very devoted to this position, make sure that you do not in future claim credit for bringing home the infrastructure money for the state. Just say you didn’t think we were worth it.
— Melanie Dunajeski (@mdunajeski) August 9, 2021
Young betrayed his constituents to gain Trump’s favor. That alone should be enough to end his political career.
Featured Image: Wikimedia
