Congress should realize that the people of New York and New Jersey and their elected officials are watching closely as they prepare to vote on the aid package from Hurricane Sandy on Jan. 15, 2013. The $51 billion aid package has run into road blocks because it contains items that are not even closely related to damage caused by Sandy, but pet peeve projects by select representatives for their own state or agenda’s.
As reported in the Asbury Park Press (APP) the Taxpayers for Common Sense, a watchdog group, state that the package includes $2 million for roof repairs at the Smithsonian buildings, $10 million for FBI salaries and expenses and $1 million for new vehicles for the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), just to name a few.
While the actions of those who oppose the bill because of the non-related storm distributions actually represent responsible government, something Washington does not understand, those who oppose the bill need to put pressure on those who have inserted the hidden attachments to withdraw them so the people of New York and New Jersey do not fall victim to another storm. The storm brewing in Washington is a man made one from those who are sworn to protect and defend the people of this country.
Now is not the time for Congress to find its conscience and deny her people any more than they already have.
Those attachments have no business being in the aid package, no justification, not a shred of credibility, it’s just that simple. Pick that fight for another day in Washington when it does not directly affect the well-being of those who are suffering. Too much time has already been wasted in politics and bureaucratic red tape. It does not have to be that way.
NJ Governor Christie said it best, when he told the APP "New Jersey does not expect anything more than what was done for Louisiana and Alabama and Mississippi in Katrina, what was done in Joplin, Mo., after a tornado, what was done in floods in Iowa. "We don't expect anything more than that, but we will not accept anything less. If they want to make new rules about disasters, well they picked the wrong state."
Take heed Congress, do what is right or Hurricane Christie and Hurricane Cuomo will make landfall in Washington and we will all support them.
Written by: Eric Braun
Original Publication URL: http://www.examiner.com/article/all-eyes-on-congress-over-sandy-aid-package
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