What a load of horsedung !! We can transport divisions of troops into Iraq and pay to rebuild civilization there but God help us if an American taxpayer needs a little help in a combat zone.
What's next? Federal surcharges on all tickets?
You might want to read some of the post that explain this position before you get too worked up over it. BTW, these people got to Lebanon without my money, I see no reason why they can't pay their way back without using my money.
The State Department firmly warns Americans not to travel to certain politically unstable areas of the world. If Americans choose to travel there anyway, it should not be the responsibility of the US taxpayer to pay for their foolishness.
In addition, the helicopter pilots who are ferrying Americans out of Lebanon are risking their own lives to do so. Are the livs of helicopter pilots less important or less valuable than those of arrogant citizens who insist on ignoring the warnings of their own country?
I used to vacation at a ski area out west. The Ski Patrol and the local sheriff's office warned skiers that if they decided to ski off piste and got in trouble, needing rescue, they would have to pay for the rescue team. The cost could go over $50k because helicopters are expensive to run. But every year some dumbass would decide he was such a good skier he could do what he wanted to and nothing bad could ever happen to him. And then the sheriff's department and ski patrol and other emergency personnel would have to spend a mean cold dangerous night out in treacherous country looking for him. And he'd be surprised and outraged when he got a big fat bill for their services.
Same principle. You've been warned; after that, it's on your bill.
House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi objected to billing evacuees.
Britt Hume said on his show today the Bill was passed during the Clinton era and Nancy Pelosi voted FOR it.
Why ever pay to leave a dangerous area? Just wait until Uncle Sam comes to the rescue and gives you a free ride.