There are a lot of ugly things that can be said about the 67 House Republicans who voted "no" on the first $9 billion for Sandy relief (many at the bequest of Chris "The Count" Chocola and his fellow assholes at the Club for Growth). But few are as deserving of scorn, disgust and ridicule as Rep. Steve Palazzo (R-MS). Why, may you ask? Talking Points Memo has the reason, under the charming title "Worst Rep in the World?"
Rep. Steven Palazzo (R-MS), who represents coastal Mississippi, at the heart of Katrina devastation, voted 'No' for Sandy relief.
I don't think anything more needs to be said, right? But here's some more info anyway:
Mississippi's Fourth Congressional District, which Palazzo has represented since 2011, included the city of Biloxi, one of the most heavily damaged communities in the region by Hurricane Katrina. Congress quickly passed an initial $10.5 billion relief package in the immediate aftermath of Katrina in September of 2005. Palazzo's predecessor, former Rep. Gene Taylor (D-MS), supported that legislation.
By the way, both of Palazzo's fellow MS GOP Reps, Alan Nunnelee and Gregg Harper, (as well as Democrat Bennie Thompson) voted "yes" for Sandy relief.
Now, you expect Palazzo would have some kind of statement ready for this ridiculous action of his. And he did or at least his spokeswoman Laura Chambers does. And of course, it's all about the damn spending offsets.
The statement:
"Congressman Palazzo fully supports a Sandy relief package that includes spending offsets. On the heels of a fiscal cliff deal that added $4 trillion to our existing $16 trillion national debt, we must ensure that disaster relief is paid for. He also hopes we will be able to have a much-needed national discussion on disaster relief reform in the coming days."
Rough translation: "You want disaster help? Throw some more old people off Medicaid and cut food stamps, then we'll talk."
Any chance Peter King can go ballistic on this guy? Because he's sure asking for it.