Not Even Russ?
The latest Iraq War budget passed the senate in a unanimous vote. All voting: 100-0.
Seriously, even Russ Feingold voted for it. It baffles the mind. The man rails against the patriot act, which he alone voted against initially. And, he's demanding a withdrawal from Iraq, or at least a timetable. Either approach would undermine our efforts by broadcasting to our enemies that we think we're finished fighting.
So, why is everyone suddenly on board? It may have something to do with the provisions for additional body armor in this bill. Moderates and opponents of the war have been asking for our troops to be provided with more protective gear. Or, perhaps the swing votes were won over by something else:
Seriously, even Russ Feingold voted for it. It baffles the mind. The man rails against the patriot act, which he alone voted against initially. And, he's demanding a withdrawal from Iraq, or at least a timetable. Either approach would undermine our efforts by broadcasting to our enemies that we think we're finished fighting.
So, why is everyone suddenly on board? It may have something to do with the provisions for additional body armor in this bill. Moderates and opponents of the war have been asking for our troops to be provided with more protective gear. Or, perhaps the swing votes were won over by something else:
"There are 2,000 earmarks in the bill directed by Members of Congress somewhere around $8 billion and a large portion of those don't have anything to do with the mission of the Defense Department," said Tom Coburn, R-Okla.Mmmmmm... Pork. I wonder how this vote would've turned out if the president had line item veto power.
3 Amendments:
Hmmmm, the budget may have been passed because of the provision for more body armor for the soldiers?-----even if the soldiers have said they don't want it? Anybody ever heard of the heat and sandstorms in Iraq? More body armor so they can die of heat exhaustion instead of bombs?
Interesting theory!
Rose,
You're assuming that congress actually asks the military what they need (or want) before drafting the budget.
Yeh, I guess that was a big mistake on my part Aaron. Congress just does what Congres does, whether anyone needs it or not. :-(
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