U.S. troop funds diverted to pet projects

U.S. troop funds diverted to pet projects

washingtontimes.com

Senators diverted $2.6 billion in funds in a defense spending bill to pet projects largely at the expense of accounts that pay for fuel, ammunition and training for U.S. troops, including those fighting wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, according to an analysis.

Among the 778 such projects, known as earmarks, packed into the bill: $25 million for a new World War II museum at the University of New Orleans and $20 million to launch an educational institute named after the late Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, Massachusetts Democrat.

(visit the link for the full news article)

For what price betrayal? Answer: $2.6 billion.

Next time someone on ATS has a complaint about the US defense budget, take a look at this article.

Seems that the government, the same guys that state that troops aren't getting the training and equipment that they need, decided to rape the O&M accounts for their own pet projects. O&M is "Operations and Maintenance". This is beans, bullets and training.

The money for the Teddy Kennedy educational institute (probably not a driving academy) was taken by Democratic Sen Kerry and Sen Inouye. Both of these Senators were prior military (Inouye was awarded the Medal of Honor), but obviously, loyalty to their party comes first. Screw the troops.

The WW2 museum was pimped by Sen. Mary L. Landrieu, Louisiana Democrat, and Sen. David Vitter, Louisiana Republican. At least they showed some bipartisanship that Obama talks about.



washingtontimes.com
(visit the link for the full news article)

Well isn't that just a big kick in the pants. Whatever happened to "no more earmarks"?

Mrs. Landrieu said she was "proud to fight" for money for the World War II museum, which is not just a "monument to the brave men and women who served during World War II," but also "a constant reminder to future generations about the tremendous sacrifice of millions of Americans." She added that the earmarked funds "will help to increase tourism to New Orleans."

Yes let's remember the ones who served during WWII by short-changing the ones who are serving now. And we can't forget about more money from tourists.

what kind of crap is this?

If the people want a freaking museum, they will raise the money for it. What is it the government's business to spend our money on these projects?

WOW

They do it because all politicians on both sides are looking out for their best interest not yours or mine or the troops. In public they will say anything they have to to look patriotic and american, but in private they will do what is needed to stay in office to get the perks that are given to them.

Get two ropes .

This kind of crap is unacceptable. I hope these two get whats comming to them. They are putting other peoples lives on the line so that they can get their precious museum and "educational center".

They can blow it out their...I promised Id watch my language =)

I went and found the original article that the one linked in the OP quotes from and found this:

[...] Air Force and Navy combat pilots training to deploy are getting about half of the flying hours they got at the end of the Vietnam War. Army tank crews get less in-tank training today than they did during the low readiness Clinton years. Earlier this year, the Navy curtailed at-sea training and flying, canceled transfers of 14,000 sailors, and stopped re-enlistment bonuses to pay for a $417 million shortage in urgent ship repairs. We are short-changing our combat troops so badly that some must use their own pay to buy the patrol packs, gloves, GPS navigators, and body armor they need to fight.

Source

And now we know why some of them are having to buy their own equipment. Because the jacktards in Congress are pillaging from defense funds.

[edit on 15-10-2009 by Jenna]

When I read this on Yahoo this morning I about exploded. Glad you posted this. Re-directing funds away from our men and women in harm's way is UNACCEPTABLE BY ANY PARTY. It MIGHT be overlooked if it was skimmed from the R&D area but the OM funds? Every last one of these A**Clowns that admitted to this needs to be put on a plane, and should serve 2 months in Afghanistan or Iraq helping up-armor, refuel and cook for our troops, and be given the same living accomodations.

Originally posted by ItIsWhatItIs
what kind of crap is this?

If the people want a freaking museum, they will raise the money for it. What is it the government's business to spend our money on these projects?

The funny thing is, they already have a WW2 museum in New Orleans. So what do they need more money for another museum???

Oh, I know. Tourists.

What a waste of money...i like meuseums, especially WWII stuff! but...i thin OUR economy is much more important, creating jobs so people can make money, to pay the fees to get into the museums. Building amuseum with so many olayofs and failing businesses, i cannot see how it would proftibale for anyone. Esepcially, since our governemnt and president seem to have an agenda that simulates nazi germany...socialism to dictatorship. Just kinda seems a small slap in the face to the public.
As for institute? How many teachers got and are still gettinglaid off? not as many people are going to college, because of this economy mess. Sounds like the timing on these 2 things is WAY off.