Dr. Paul stands by his vote against Ike relief funds

Paul stands by his vote against Ike relief funds
By Nick Cenegy

GALVESTON — U.S. Rep. Ron Paul, R-Lake Jackson, said Saturday he would continue to vote against any unfunded government spending bills as a matter of principle, even if they provide emergency relief funds, while maintaining he would work for earmarks that benefit his constituents.

Paul took half an hour Saturday morning to speak to about 70 people at a meeting of the West Galveston Island Property Owners Association at the Galveston Country Club.

The congressman received a standing ovation after addressing a swath of topics, including the current health care reform bill, the nation’s economic health and foreign policy.

Paul also defended his decision a year ago to vote against an emergency aid bill on the heels of Hurricane Ike. The bill passed Congress and provided money for area residents, including many who attended Saturday’s meeting.

“Getting our house in order is a big deal,” Paul said. “This is the reason I vote against the spending unless it’s paid for.”

The congressman, who is known for his position favoring minimal government and low taxes, said he is not against all programs but wants the programs to pay for themselves or be funded at the state or local levels.

One such government spending bill was a December 2008 disaster recovery measure to provide $22.8 million in emergency aid to Galveston and surrounding areas.

Paul was the only one of nine Houston-area lawmakers to vote against the bill. It passed the House, 370-58.

Reactions at the time among local residents and officials were mixed. The responses Saturday from West Enders were largely enthusiastic.

Milton Gray, a west Galveston property owner, said he agreed with the congressman nearly across the board.

“People should be individually responsible for what they do,” Gray said.

When the Federal Emergency Management Agency moved in after Hurricane Ike, the agency was able to help residents, but people quickly began expecting it to do too much, he said.

“It’s up to us now,” Gray said.

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