MEMPHIS, Tenn. — If you want an example of how raw partisan politics gets in the way of initiatives for the public good, then look no further than Tennessee’s senators and representatives in Congress.
Our state is poised to get billions of dollars for much-needed repairs to roads and bridges – along with lots of other important needs – from the $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill that finally passed in the House late last week. State transportation and government relations officials have been clamoring for money to fix roads and bridges, upgrade utilities, and repair schools across Tennessee. And their requests are being answered through the federal infrastructure bill.
And yet, every Republican who represents Tennessee in Congress voted no. They include 8th district Representative David Kustoff and Senator Marsha Blackburn – both of whom could not wait to express their frustrations when the I-40 bridge in downtown Memphis shut down earlier this year because of a cracked beam.
And get this. Senator Bill Hagerty went on TV to criticize Republicans who voted for the bill, saying they should not have helped the Democrats. Never mind that these infrastructure repairs will help Tennesseans – his voters and his constituents. They also will create jobs, improve interstate commerce, and boost the economy.
Divisive party-line politics is one thing. But when these so-called leaders make decisions that hurt the people they were elected to serve, that’s unacceptable. So, shame on them all.