WASHINGTON — Democratic Sen. Ken Salazar voted for the $700 billion economic-stability package Wednesday night, calling it a “necessary pill,” while Republican Sen. Wayne Allard called the legislation overloaded and voted against it.
“It was the right decision to address the dire economic circumstances that we’re in,” said Salazar, of Denver. “It could have been a better piece of legislation with more time, but I don’t think we have time on our side. The kind of economic catastrophe that could hit us required us to take the action.”
Allard said he could have voted for the financial-stabilization bill by itself, but not after other provisions were added in, such as a requirement that large health insurers cover mental health and addiction the same way they cover physical illnesses.
“That’s extremely expensive; that’s going to drive up health-insurance costs,” said Allard, of Loveland.
“In my view I’ve always been a fiscal conservative. When we get a bill like this, spending gets abused.”
The vote could cause political repercussions, Salazar said.
“There will be many people who will be angry with me for this vote,” Salazar said. “I was elected to do what I believe from my vantage point is the best for the country and the people I represent.”
Allard said he didn’t consider the vote easy, even though he’s retiring and wouldn’t face voter unhappiness for his decision. He also said he wanted to do “what is best for the country and what my constituents would like to see happen.”
Allard said he decided how to vote late in the day, after seeing that he would need to vote on one larger bill with the new provisions, instead of subsequent votes on bills.
He walked into the Senate chamber after most senators already had voted, stood behind his desk and said “no” when his name was called.
Salazar said he didn’t decide to support the bill until voting began. He stood, said “aye” and sat back down.
