DARTS & LAURELS
subscribe  |    email  |    print  |    continue the debate
TO DEMOCRATS

Who are loading local-interest add-ons to the Iraq war funding bill. Even as they protest against the war, Democrats are tacking on to the $100 billion war supplemental bill requests for aid that would provide $10 billion for unrelated causes. For example, farmers in California — home state of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi — would get more than $1 billion in subsidies to compensate for crops lost in the January freeze. And House Appropriations Committee chairman David Obey (D-Wis.) is seeking a $3 billion add-on for local communities affected by military base closings.

Larding an emergency supplemental bill with unrelated, nonemergency add-ons may not be a new congressional trick. But to simultaneously cry foul over the war while seizing it as opportunity to stock the pork pantry is the height of hypocrisy.

  email  |    print  |    continue the debate
JOIN THE DEBATE
Take part in discussions about the articles in the current issue of Armed Forces Journal, or other defense-related topics, in AFJ Forums.
Destroyer flip-flop
Posted 9/2/2008 by Administrator
Audacious blueprint
Posted 9/2/2008 by Administrator
About AFJ  |  Subscribe  |  Renew  |  Customer Service  |  Advertising  |  Contact Us
For inquiries about reproduction or distribution of any materials contained herein, please contact Michelle Butler.
All content © 2008, Armed Forces Journal |  Terms of Service