Former far-left ‘Squad’ Rep. Cori Bush has been making waves in the media recently, calling out Congress for not prioritizing public transit. However, upon further inspection, it seems that her own voting record on the issue is less than stellar.
Bush, who was elected to Congress in 2020, has been a vocal advocate for social justice and progressive policies. She has been an outspoken member of the “Squad”, a group of progressive lawmakers that includes Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Ilhan Omar. However, her recent criticisms of Congress for not prioritizing public transit have raised some eyebrows.
In a recent tweet, Bush wrote, “Public transit is essential to the livelihoods of millions of Americans. It’s time for Congress to step up and prioritize this critical issue.” While this sentiment is certainly valid, it’s worth noting that during her time in Congress, Bush did not prioritize public transit either.
In fact, her voting record on the issue has been lackluster at best. According to GovTrack, a non-partisan website that tracks congressional voting records, Bush has only sponsored one bill related to public transit during her time in office. This bill, while well-intentioned, has not gained much traction and has not moved out of committee.
Additionally, Bush has voted against several bills that would have allocated more funding to public transit. For example, she voted against H.R. 3684, the INVEST in America Act, which would have invested $715 billion in infrastructure, including public transit. She also voted against H.R. 3688, which would have provided $39 billion in emergency funding for public transportation agencies during the COVID-19 pandemic.
These votes are particularly concerning given the fact that Bush represents a district, Missouri’s 1st congressional district, where access to public transportation is crucial for many residents. St. Louis, the largest city in her district, has a 30% poverty rate and a significant percentage of residents rely on public transit to get to work, school, and other essential destinations.
So why is Bush suddenly speaking out about the importance of public transit now? It could be that she is trying to shift the focus away from her own voting record and shift the blame onto Congress as a whole. However, as a representative elected by the people to represent their interests, it is her responsibility to prioritize issues that are essential to her constituents.
Furthermore, as a member of the “Squad” and a self-proclaimed progressive, it is disappointing to see Bush not living up to her own values and priorities. Public transit is not only important for economic purposes, but it also has a significant impact on social justice and environmental issues. Investing in public transit can provide more access to job opportunities and reduce carbon emissions, which disproportionately affect marginalized communities.
It’s time for Bush to back up her words with actions and truly prioritize public transit in her voting record. As a member of Congress, she has the power to make a real difference and bring about positive change for her constituents. It’s not enough to just tweet about the importance of an issue; it’s important to take concrete steps to address it.
In conclusion, while Congress as a whole may not be prioritizing public transit as much as it should, it’s important to hold our individual representatives accountable for their actions. Bush’s rhetoric on the issue may be commendable, but her voting record tells a different story. It’s time for her to step up and truly prioritize public transit in Congress once and for all.
