Helium does have other uses besides making party balloons float: it’s used in MRI scanners, for example. But … what about the balloons? The House voted today 394–1 to maintain America’s Federal Helium Program, and Rep. Hank Johnson (D-Ga.) very likely credits himself with bringing Democrats and Republicans together to avert the nightmare scenario of a world without ballons.
House now considering bill to sell off federal helium reserve, assembled in case the nation was attacked by zeppelins (true).
— Chad Pergram (@ChadPergram) April 26, 2013
Hank Johnson, D-Deadpan, praises an inflated Congress for its responsible helium stewardship. #gagop #gapol http://t.co/fV7ai2QRR7
— Jim Galloway (@politicalinsidr) April 26, 2013
"Imagine a world without balloons." — Rep. Hank Johnson. So, so true. http://t.co/zle6xFKTIf
— Chris Cillizza (@CillizzaCNN) April 26, 2013
Will spend my weekend imagining a world without balloons. #hankjohnson
— Tim Bryant (@TimBryantRadio) April 26, 2013
"Every child deserves a helium balloon" Hank Johnson, American congressman. Why is he in office?
— Haley Dustman (@HaleyDustman) April 26, 2013
Strangest piece of news heard today: the United States has a helium reserve….go figure 🙂
— chris thomason (@christhomason) April 26, 2013
House ok's bill to liquidate nat'l helium reserve. The vote was 394 to 1. The lone no vote was Rep. Linda Sanchez (D-CA).
— Chad Pergram (@ChadPergram) April 26, 2013
What kind of monster votes against helium?
Linda Sanchez was the sole no vote on helium bill. Was unintentional. Sending letter to House Clerk to note her intended support of bill.
— Chad Pergram (@ChadPergram) April 26, 2013
Perhaps not thrilled to be the subject of another sure-to-be-viral video, Rep. Johnson issued a tweet to clarify that his remarks were only a moment of “levity.” He was being sarcastic, you guys.
Sorry to deflate GOP msg machine, but wasting 2 days on helium instead of jobs is no way to lift the economy http://t.co/du3HTCo7WW
— Rep. Hank Johnson (@RepHankJohnson) April 26, 2013
Despite sequestration, House GOP wastes two days on helium: http://t.co/2HmMsGmw5H http://t.co/cYkWY6Kk8O
— Rep. Hank Johnson (@RepHankJohnson) April 26, 2013
Join the conversation as a VIP Member