Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
They couldn't just pass a Defense spending bill. Had to throw in some pork with it. Nothing ever changes, does it? I suppose when it gets to the Senate, they'll add their own pork to it. It passed the House 300 - 119.
"Lawmakers were in year-end mode, looking to clear up business and clear out of Washington well before Christmas, dropping the curtain on what’s been a singularly unproductive Congress. But some said the rush to go home led to approving special interest giveaways that never could have passed in normal circumstances. The national parks and other land deals attached to the defense bill sparked a bitter dispute, with those on both sides of the aisle decrying a “land grab” being pushed as part of the bill to set benefit levels and military policy for U.S. troops. “It is offensive that this bill would be used to fund congressional pork,” said Sen. Ted Cruz, Texas Republican."
People elect their political representatives to bring home the bacon to their particular state. If one fails to do so, their time in Washington will be short. It has been so since the government has existed.
That's why Mitch McConnell loves Obamacare for Kentucky when he is in Kentucky but hates it whenever he's in Washington, DC and the cameras are on.
That's why politicians fight over who gets the next 20 billion defense contract for their state, or not.
That's why the voters in Virginia's 7th congressional district made the stupidest political mistake in political history by picking a tea party political novice, with absolutely no experience in Washington over Eric Cantor, the House Majority Leader, the head of the House finance committee and one of the most powerful men in Washington that constantly brought home the benefits to Virginia.
The quickest, easiest way to get something passed is, and always has been, to tack it onto a "must pass" bill.
Even the Montana Congresscritters know that!
I wouldn't even blame it all on pols. If you look at a look to the retired military would serve as advisors on various projects you will see a lot of ties to businesses and defense contractors. Same for other government sectors as well.
A lot of those programs are pretty special interest and industry kick back riddled before they make their way to the Piggy Park that is Congress. And then you start to see even more rolling in the mud.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
