Las Vegas Sun

March 28, 2024

Heller only Nevada legislator to vote against $700 billion bailout

Says more oversight needed on bill

Updated Friday, Oct. 3, 2008 | 11:40 a.m.

WASHINGTON - Republican Rep. Dean Heller voted against the $700 billion bailout package today in the House, the only member of the Nevada delegation to vote no.

The House erupted in a cheer at 1:20 pm as it became clear the measure was headed toward passage.

Republican Rep. Jon Porter and Democratic Rep. Shelley Berkley both voted yes. Earlier this week in the Senate, both Nevada Republican Sen. John Ensign and Sen. Harry Reid, the majority leader voted in support.

Heller had earlier said the proposal bordered on socialism, but has declined this week to discuss his vote.

Heller issued a statement saying he opposed the bill because he believes the plan needs more oversight of taxpayer funds.

"The core of this legislation is still flawed and puts Nevada’s taxpayer on the hook to pay for a massive bailout of Wall Street," Heller's statement said.

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