[gwjack]

I have not read the bill; but rest assured, Rep. Istook will have cut pork that he was able to see, INCLUDING HIS OWN DISTRICT. It is well known around here that he opposed federal funding of a light rail system in OKC even though it had the favor of all other local/national politicians. He has questioned the amount of appropriation for I-40, which is crumbling. He wants to restore fiscal sanity and eliminate wasteful practices of the past.

It seems to me that the when representatives did not prioritize their desires as asked, they are to fault -- if there is fault. He can't represent all districts. When he asks for input, he shouldn't be ignored.

Frankly, I think that he is "spot on."

Gwjack

[nj26]

Some of the projects that were funded in the bill:

$300,000 to save the Pennsylvania home of politician Frederick Augustus Muhlenberg
$1.5 million to establish an archive for Dick Gephardt
$443,000 for research to develop "baby food containing salmon"
$4 million for "shrimp aquaculture"
$133,000 for maple research in Vermont
$500,000 for a history museum in Waterloo, Iowa
$500,000 for the NY Botanical Garden
$3 million for research on the genetics of grapes

Give me a break. I live in one of these 21 districts, so maybe I am just thinking of myself, but I'll be remembering the shrimp aquaculture every time I hit a pothole.