WASHINGTON — Gov. Mark Sanford might not have even known he was in the wrestling ring when U.S. House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn delivered an emphatic smack-down from Washington.Taking advantage of his increased legislative muscle —thanks to expanded Democratic control and a new president who shares his views — Clyburn moved to blunt Sanford’s ability to prevent South Carolina from getting its share of federal stimulus funds.Just before the House passed President Obama’s $819 billion economic-stimulus bill Wednesday evening, Clyburn inserted an amendment empowering state legislative leaders to accept the special federal aid if the governor fails to act within 45 days of the measure’s enactment.S.C. House Speaker Bobby Harrell and Senate President Pro Tem Glenn McConnell said Thursday the $480 million in the stimulus plan to repair the state’s roads, bridges and other infrastructure is needed, but they expressed concerns about other aid.The stimulus measure would deliver at least $3.2 billion to South Carolina, but it faces hurdles in the U.S. Senate and could undergo significant changes.
|
