I was watching the debate in the US Senate yesterday on the bill to continue funding the war in Iraq. I just happened to tune in during Sen. Kyl's speech on the floor. Being a supporter of the President's policy, he opposes the bill because it sets a timetable for withdrawal of the troops. Fine. But at one point he criticizes the bill because it has unrelated spending items attached that wouldn't otherwise pass. Oh really, Sen. Kyl? So now all the sudden that practice is a terrible way to pass legislation. What a hypocrite!
Below is the excerpt from his speech in the Congressional Record. Pay particular attention to the parts in bold.
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U.S. TROOP READINESS, VETERANS' HEALTH, AND IRAQ ACCOUNTABILITY ACT, 2007 -- (Senate - March 26, 2007)
Mr. KYL.
...It is amazing to me, and I won't get into all the pork that is in this bill, but here we have a security supplemental, emergency funding to support the troops, and we decide to lard it up with all manner of items that are not emergencies, have nothing to do with supporting the troops, but because everybody knows this is a must-pass bill, they figure this is a real good opportunity for them to get things in the bill that might otherwise be very difficult to pass in the Congress.
Just a couple ideas: $3.5 million related to guided tours of the U.S. Capitol. I am all for guided tours of the U.S. Capitol, but is this an emergency?
There is $13 million for mine safety research. I am sure mine safety is important to research. Is this an emergency which can't be put in a regular appropriations bill?
We are targeting funding for sugar beets. I presume I like sugar beets--I am not sure--but I don't think it is an emergency for which we need to spend $24 million.
There is another $3 million funding for sugarcane, which I understand goes to one Hawaiian cooperative.
Here is something which would appeal to all the politicians: $100 million for security related to the Republican and Democratic Presidential nominating conventions. Is that next month, Madam President? I have forgotten. Nominating conventions would be in July and August, not of this year but the following year--not exactly an emergency we need to fund in an emergency security supplemental to conduct this war.
Do my colleagues hear what I am saying? Politicians have decided this is a good train to get on board because it has to move, we have to fund the troops. Since it is hard for us to get the Senate and the House to act on these items otherwise, we will just try to attach them to this bill.
Below is the excerpt from his speech in the Congressional Record. Pay particular attention to the parts in bold.
Outdated URL (Invalid)
U.S. TROOP READINESS, VETERANS' HEALTH, AND IRAQ ACCOUNTABILITY ACT, 2007 -- (Senate - March 26, 2007)
Mr. KYL.
...It is amazing to me, and I won't get into all the pork that is in this bill, but here we have a security supplemental, emergency funding to support the troops, and we decide to lard it up with all manner of items that are not emergencies, have nothing to do with supporting the troops, but because everybody knows this is a must-pass bill, they figure this is a real good opportunity for them to get things in the bill that might otherwise be very difficult to pass in the Congress.
Just a couple ideas: $3.5 million related to guided tours of the U.S. Capitol. I am all for guided tours of the U.S. Capitol, but is this an emergency?
There is $13 million for mine safety research. I am sure mine safety is important to research. Is this an emergency which can't be put in a regular appropriations bill?
We are targeting funding for sugar beets. I presume I like sugar beets--I am not sure--but I don't think it is an emergency for which we need to spend $24 million.
There is another $3 million funding for sugarcane, which I understand goes to one Hawaiian cooperative.
Here is something which would appeal to all the politicians: $100 million for security related to the Republican and Democratic Presidential nominating conventions. Is that next month, Madam President? I have forgotten. Nominating conventions would be in July and August, not of this year but the following year--not exactly an emergency we need to fund in an emergency security supplemental to conduct this war.
Do my colleagues hear what I am saying? Politicians have decided this is a good train to get on board because it has to move, we have to fund the troops. Since it is hard for us to get the Senate and the House to act on these items otherwise, we will just try to attach them to this bill.
