Posted on 09/07/2005 9:32:12 AM PDT by Loud Mime
Congress just passed a bill so laden with pork that it amazes even the most calloused politicians. Now, after the disaster of hurricane Katrina, is that bill reasonable? If Katrina had hit before the passage of the highway bill, would it have passed?
It is necessary for congress to take a second look at the highway bill with all its funding for bike paths, sidewalk improvements and intermodal improvements. These are luxury items; contrast that with the needs that are present every time we turn on the TV.
How can Congress take this money when a far greater need exists? Will they voluntarily re-direct their political paybacks to those who need it? Or, will they keep the money despite the greater need?
Am I wrong here?
Did Bush sign it?
Am I wrong here?
Nope.
It'll never happen though............
We the sheeple don't even have the collective courage to vote out of office partisan incumbents let alone work to replace them with real representation.
I heard this suggested by a caller to the Sean Hannity show a few days back. Problem is the Transportation Law specifies how the money must be spent. It isn't just a blank check that the individual projects or states can do with as they please.
Yes, Bush signed it.
He set a maximum level for Congress, who then exceeded his max. He then signed the bill.
It is law; where congress goes from here is their choice. They can change anything they enact, especially when they want to.
Give it back?
BWHAHAHAHAHA!
The bill has specific appropriations for sidewalk improvements and bike paths. I hope that some of these communities will voluntarily ask that the monies go to the aid.
Darn, the Feds should be doing this if they care about the cost of government.....wait....what am I saying?
Point well taken...
I'm laughing at myself too.
At the suggestion of writer Michelle Malkin last Friday, I have cobbled together a blogsite called Texas Clearinghouse for Katrina Aid to serve as a clearinghouse for refugee efforts in Texas.
Texas is getting more refugees than any other state -- that's fine, we'll take them all -- but we need help providing them with food, clothing, and shelter.
If you are a refugee, you can information that will help you find relief. If you want to donate or volunteer, you can find someone who needs you.
Right now the site mostly covers Houston and Dallas but I will add various churches, schools, and other charities in San Antonio and Ft. Worth tonight. My wife is down at Reunion Arena in Dallas as we speak handing out care packages and otherwise ministering to the refugees as a representative of her employer.
There are a lot of churches and other organizations in Texas that need help in dealing with the problem and I would be most appreciative if you would get the word out.
Many thanks,
Michael McCullough
Stingray blogsite
That was an authorization bill, a very important distinction, written to express Congress' spending priorities on transportation. Not a dime has been appropriated. There is nothing to take back.
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