Bush Stuffs Spending Bills With Earmarks For Dad’s Foundation, Wife’s Librarian Program
Bush Stuffs Spending Bills With Earmarks For Dad’s Foundation, Wife’s Librarian Program
On Monday, President Bush explained his veto of the recent Labor-HHS bill, claiming the “majority” in Congress had abandoned his “clear goals for the Congress to reform the earmarking process” and was “acting like a teenager with a new credit card.”
In reality, Bush “stuffs his budget with billions for pet projects.” According to Senate Democrats, Bush placed 580 earmarks worth $15.6 billion in a recent military and veterans appropriations request, along with “billions” in the energy and water spending bill:
Some presidential earmarks have obvious roots, such as $24 million for the Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program. The president earmarked a billion dollars for the Reading First program, which was criticized by government auditors for steering contracts to favored companies. He also sought $8.9 million for the Points of Light foundation, a pet project started by his father, former President George H.W. Bush.
Congress slashed $676 million from Bush’s request for Reading First and eliminated the Points of Light funding. Bush retaliated by vetoing the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education bill.
The Democratic-led Congress has made major advances in earmark reform in contrast to the profligate spenders of recent conservative-led Congresses. An analysis by Citizens Against Government Waste estimates that earmarks in FY08 appropriations bills are “down about 33 percent from the $29 billion in earmarks in FY06 spending bills”:
The report showed a significant reduction in one of the largest magnets for earmarks, the Defense appropriations bill. The FY08 measure, by the group’s reckoning, included 2,074 projects worth $6.6 billion. This compared to 2,822 projects worth $14.9 billion in the FY06 bill.
The group also said Democrats have made strides against earmarks in the Labor-HHS spending bill, which Bush vetoed Tuesday.
Last week, Bush also hypocritically lambasted “the majority” in Congress, ignoring the fact that the largest earmarks in the legislation that he vetoed were from Republican Sens. Mitch McConnnell (KY) and Richard Shelby (AL).
“Republicans’ newfound fascination with spending stems from a simple reality: They suffered badly over the issue in 2006,” notes the Wall Street Journal. Ironically, President Bush should be the target in his “war over earmarks.“
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66 Responses to “Bush Stuffs Spending Bills With Earmarks For Dad’s Foundation, Wife’s Librarian Program”
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I wonder what Bush got for Barney?
November 15th, 2007 at 6:19 pmWhat, me Porkie?
November 15th, 2007 at 6:19 pmDuh!
I guess the "teenagers with credit cards" are all Democrats.
The Republicans are just out-and-out smash and grab thieves.
November 15th, 2007 at 6:20 pmDoes anyone besides corporate fascists and knuckle-dragging dead-ender cultists even listen to this silly aristocrat anymore? He slurs his words and stares off into space incoherently. They've shoved so much Paxil and Xanax down his throat that he looks like he's escaped from a mental asylum.
November 15th, 2007 at 6:23 pmThey’ve shoved so much Paxil and Xanax down his throat that he looks like he’s escaped from a mental asylum.
Comment by Ret. Col. Jack Ripper
He is starting to sound like Ozzy Osborne!
November 15th, 2007 at 6:25 pmscrew kids health care but cash for one foot in the grave 41. yeehaw
November 15th, 2007 at 6:28 pmIOKIYAR.
November 15th, 2007 at 6:35 pmThe old do-as-I-say-not-as-I-do trick. Get DUMB.
November 15th, 2007 at 6:36 pmMuch as I make fun of our stupid, ignorant, warmongering president's inability to string several words together into a coherent sentence, I have noticed of late that his words are enunciated differently - it's like he has a wad of gum in his mouth or false teeth that don't fit right.
November 15th, 2007 at 6:37 pmI don't believe it's gum or dentures - is it that he is medicated?
They’ve shoved so much Paxil and Xanax down his throat that he looks like he’s escaped from a mental asylum.
Comment by Ret. Col. Jack Ripper
He is starting to sound like Ozzy Osborne!
Comment by StratRat — November 15, 2007 @ 6:25 pm
Listening to his presser eth other day (as much as I could stomach) I was thinking his accent seems to be getting heavier. He's starting to sound like Kevin Costner in JFK.
November 15th, 2007 at 6:37 pmMuch like the mantra "Democrats are weak on terrorism", this is really all about republican hypocricy.
November 15th, 2007 at 6:39 pmMarie: "I don’t believe it’s gum or dentures - is it that he is medicated?"
Yes. Either that or he's drunk, or both. The country and the entire world will breath a collective sigh of relief when the criminal steps down. Then, the world will cheer us when he's indicted for war crimes.
November 15th, 2007 at 6:39 pmI was thinking his accent seems to be getting heavier
Yeah, the phony texas twang is a little twangier, like he's pining for the day when he can get back to the ranch, and whilst clearing brush, be hauled off by a helicopter and delivered in cuffs to the Hague.
Sorry, my fantasy interjected itself...
November 15th, 2007 at 6:41 pmIt's time we started using a different title than President.
November 15th, 2007 at 6:42 pmlet the chinese fund some more wirthless expenses with worthless papers
November 15th, 2007 at 6:43 pmNamtillaku: "It’s time we started using a different title than President."
How about Federal Inmate #XXX?
November 15th, 2007 at 6:45 pmIt’s time we started using a different title than President.
Comment by Namtillaku — November 15, 2007 @ 6:42 pm
I have been calling him fckwit for some time now.
Fckwit of the United States....
November 15th, 2007 at 6:45 pmHas a nice ring to it, doesn't it?
When will someone, besides Jon Stewart, start inserting "rim shots" every time he pauses? Is it not clear that EVERYTHING he says is wrong, dishonest, or both? I can develop a certain amount of respect for a skilled liar but the Chimperror is a complete joke.
November 15th, 2007 at 6:47 pmHow about Presidunce of the United States?
November 15th, 2007 at 6:49 pmor the Deciderer?
Ret. Col. JR
My question is "can we survive until January 2009?
I desperately want the Republicans to find themselves in the extreme minority after 1/20/09, but the horrific messes, domestic and internationally, inflicted upon us (and the world) by GWB are going to be a helluva challenge to the new president and congress.
This latest assault, albeit minor in comparison to some of his others, is simply another reason to despise this man for his nepotism, cronyism and absolute inability to see things except from his narrow, selfish perspective.
November 15th, 2007 at 6:49 pmHow about Federal Inmate #XXX?
Like that'll ever happen. No, let's call a duck a duck. Emperor, King, or Czar was what I had in mind. Course, it's somewhat of a temporary fiefdom, but the results are the same.
November 15th, 2007 at 6:50 pmMarie: "My question is “can we survive until January 2009?"
It's a legitimate question. We survived the burning of the capital in 1812, the Civil War, the robber-baron era, the 1st and 2nd World Wars, the Great Depression and the Cold War, but I agree that it's still a legitimate question. That's the depth to which these criminals have brought us.
November 15th, 2007 at 6:52 pmThese are the same Republicans that have sabotaged the current energy bill, saying they wouldn't allow ANY BILL to be passed if their BIG OIL/BIG COAL PORK was directed in any fashion to renewable energy! Big Oil gets 16 BILLION A YEAR IN SUBSIDIES JUST TO GO DRILL FOR OIL, and they can't spare money to invest in alternative energy?
What a bunch of lunatic republicans!
November 15th, 2007 at 6:53 pmPresidunce? Very good.
Federal Inmate? Also very good.
But my personal favorite is f--kwit. It DOES have a nice ring to it.
Say it to yourself three times, it's almost melodic.
November 15th, 2007 at 6:54 pmNamtillaku: "How about Federal Inmate #XXX?
Like that’ll ever happen."
Again, for your consideration, from former Congresswoman and constutional scholar Elizabeth Holzman:
"The War Crimes Act of 1996 makes cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment of detainees a violation of the Geneva Conventions and a federal crime. In addition, a 1994 law, 18 USC Section 2340 (a), makes it a federal crime to engage in torture outside the US, and it also applies to those who conspire with (or aid and abet or order) torture outside the US. Both statutes apply to any US national, including the president, the vice president and other top officials, as well as subordinates, such as CIA officers or other US personnel. If the president ordered, directed or authorized waterboarding or other forms of torture or mistreatment, he may have violated these laws. They carry the death penalty in cases where the victim dies. In such cases there is no statute of limitations, so the president could be subject to prosecution for the rest of his life."
November 15th, 2007 at 6:54 pmBeing the usual leftist, modeling all of you, I'm at ease with the prospect of 100,000 defense department employees being left with no work -- all because we insist on cuffing the hands of our military commanders on the ground, sucking the spirit out of the troops, and inflicting political cheapshots against the President.
We want the military shut down. We want DoD employees furloughed and unable to feed their families.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/11/15/AR2007111501755.html
November 15th, 2007 at 6:57 pm#22 Ret. Col.
November 15th, 2007 at 6:58 pmI just caught a few words from Thom Hartmann and he was speaking similarly of what you are noting here - we have survived the burning of the White House, a Civil War, and all the tragedies and calamities and we are still here. That does give me comfort.
I also have a voice inside that nags me - is this the era when our luck runs out? When we finally met our demise? It's not at the hands of an enemy, but it will have struck us down from within.
Ignore the troll.
November 15th, 2007 at 7:02 pmRCJR sez: “The War Crimes Act of 1996 makes cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment of detainees a violation of the Geneva Conventions and a federal crime."
That is the most likely reason why Bush&Co have tried their damndest to stack the courts at every level from the DoJ on down with friends and cronies, party stalwarts; he knows he is a federal criminal.
Rumors are that he and the family have purchased several thousand acres in Paraguay - do we have extradition there?
November 15th, 2007 at 7:02 pmPointing out the lies, on top of lies, on top of lies, on top of lies, on top of a pile of BS, is hardly a "cheapshot". It's simple observation.
November 15th, 2007 at 7:02 pmStop the war. Stop the war. Stop the war. Stop the wa -- wait, was I saying? Oh - Stop the war. Stop the war. Stop the war.
Good, I hope by now the troops are demoralized. They can smack the crap out of me when they get back.
November 15th, 2007 at 7:03 pmRumors are that he and the family have purchased several thousand acres in Paraguay - do we have extradition there?
Comment by Marie — November 15, 2007 @ 7:02 pm
Nope! No extradition.
November 15th, 2007 at 7:03 pmComment by ralph the wonder llama — November 15, 2007 @ 7:02 pm
Ignore the employees. Ignore the employees. They'll have no work. Ignore the employees. They'll have no work.
Oh well, what's 100,000 democrat votes?
As democrats, we're a-ok with layoffs, as long as they occur outside the private sector.
November 15th, 2007 at 7:06 pmComment by ralph the wonder llama — November 15, 2007 @ 7:02 pm
Our tactics will backfire in a way we didn't expect, being know-it-all arrogant leftists, but let's pretend otherwise.
Onto more important topics (what's someone's income?), Barry Bond's indictment today was racist.
November 15th, 2007 at 7:09 pmHas anyone else arrived at the conclusion that, over the last couple days, the trolls don't show up until the moderators are, most likely, clocked out for the day?
November 15th, 2007 at 7:10 pmGood, I hope by now the troops are demoralized. They can smack the crap out of me when they get back.
Comment by Usual Leftist — November 15, 2007 @ 7:03 pm
BAHAHA, the wingnuts send the troops into a dangerous place, without proper equipment, necessary personnel, training or well defined mission, so they get the crap smacked out of them by the locals - and then the wingnuts whine about those wanting to bring those troops hope as the cause of them being demoralized?
BAHAHAHAHA, is that what you say when your daddy beats you? That it's YOUR FAULT you DEMORALIZED HIM? YOU ARE A SICK LITTLE LUNATIC!
November 15th, 2007 at 7:10 pmOh well, what’s 100,000 democrat votes?
As democrats, we’re a-ok with layoffs, as long as they occur outside the private sector.
Comment by Usual Leftist — November 15, 2007 @ 7:06 pm
BAHAHA, wingnuts caring about ANY JOBS? BAHAHAHA, sorry, but the feigned compassion is just so HYSTERICALLY IMPROBABLE!! You poor, poor, stupid little republican! (I know, that's redundant!)
November 15th, 2007 at 7:11 pmOur tactics will backfire in a way we didn’t expect, being know-it-all arrogant leftists, but let’s pretend otherwise.
Onto more important topics (what’s someone’s income?), Barry Bond’s indictment today was racist.
Comment by Usual Leftist — November 15, 2007 @ 7:09 pm
Republican tactics HAVE BACKFIRED you 'TARDED MORON! It happened in 2006, and it will happen again. So tell us, why do you hate black people so much, bigot boy? Self loathing? Or just fear that you DON'T MEASURE UP - where it matters?
November 15th, 2007 at 7:12 pmHas anyone else arrived at the conclusion that, over the last couple days, the trolls don’t show up until the moderators are, most likely, clocked out for the day?
Comment by pete
Yep. I noticed.
November 15th, 2007 at 7:13 pmRumors are that he and the family have purchased several thousand acres in Paraguay - do we have extradition there?
Comment by Marie
Before Bush was president, he never travelled anywhere. He had no interest in visiting other countries and getting to know their ways and customs. Because he has never travelled, why on earth would he purchase a huge parcel (900,000 acres) in PARAGUAY? He has never even been to Paraguay. He sent his daughter (Jenna or Not Jenna, I forget which) to seal the deal for him. Think about it: he didn't even go himself to buy the property. He sent his daughter instead.
He is truly frightened of the consequences for his wrongdoing. I wonder where Cheney has bought land? Any ideas?
November 15th, 2007 at 7:18 pmComment by republicans hate facts — November 15, 2007 @ 7:11 pm
Where's your outrage, fellow leftist? Our plan is, leave families with no income, stop the war. Looks GREAT for us.
We, the crazy leftists, aren't concerned with layoffs. We just want the power to do the same thing ourselves. It's all about power.
We leftists are the Dwight Schrutes of American politics.
Have a cogent response for once, loser boy?
November 15th, 2007 at 7:21 pmI wonder where Cheney has bought land? Any ideas?
Comment by StratRat — November 15, 2007 @ 7:18 pm
He won't need a hideout if he manages a coup. Every time I see the (bleep!) I can imagine him chanting, "President for life. President for..."
November 15th, 2007 at 7:22 pmWe want the military shut down. We want DoD employees furloughed and unable to feed their families.
Comment by Usual Leftist — November 15, 2007 @ 6:57 pm
Since when has the GOP ever worried about that? Military families already are on welfare because you won't pay them enough! And they come home to no jobs because you won't enforce the laws protecting them!
Your FEIGNED concerned is just as disingenuous as ALL GOP HYPOCRISY! You POS HATE MONGERING FOOL!
How does it feel to know that 68% of Americans DISAGREE WITH YOU?
How does it feel to know that the MAJORITY OF THE TROOPS DISAGREE WITH YOU?
How does it feel to know you're just SPREADING STUPID LIES?
Oh wait, you're too STUPID TO KNOW OR FEEL ANYTHING USEFUL!
November 15th, 2007 at 7:23 pm"Yes, Mr. President. You have stated that this Congress has too many earmarks in proposed bills and you are vetoing them because of that fact. My question is why didn't you take this stance with the previous Congress' that had double the amount in earmarks? And as a follow up why are you such an obtuse ass?"
Wonder if anyone in the press gaggle will have the coconuts to ask a question like this? Well...at least the first one...
November 15th, 2007 at 7:30 pmUsual Leftist - it just doesn't get any lamer than this...what a loser.
Maybe he should use - F-Kwit instead.
Buck Fush
November 15th, 2007 at 7:30 pmReported him for spamming, do the same guys.
Buck Fush
November 15th, 2007 at 7:32 pmReported him for spamming, do the same guys.
Buck Fush
Comment by Buckie Boy — November 15, 2007 @ 7:32 pm
Already done.
November 15th, 2007 at 7:37 pmComment by republicans hate facts — November 15, 2007 @ 7:23 pm
The problem, fellow leftist, is that you're not concerned. As long as it coincides with your intended effort to stop the war, you don't mind thousands of employees losing their jobs.
It's not Republicans that have to answer, fellow leftist. You do. You lack consistency, a clear solution with minimal impact.
We lefties only pretend to care about working families, but they must be employed in the private sector.
November 15th, 2007 at 7:41 pmVetos SCHIP then stuffs his familial pockets.
GOD needs to have a talk with George about his material addiction.
November 15th, 2007 at 7:43 pmWe lefties only pretend to care about working families, but they must be employed in the private sector.
Comment by Usual Leftist — November 15, 2007
If that were true they would be acting like freepers and attacking them. Doesn't this concern you that Bush, who talks to GOD, is using taxpayer money when his family is already wealthy?
November 15th, 2007 at 7:45 pmAlready done.
Comment by ralph the wonder llama — November 15, 2007 @ 7:37 pm
Maybe you'll get a extra heaping of desert for your "efforts."
Troll.
November 15th, 2007 at 7:46 pmMarie and Statrat: not only did he buy the property in Paraguay, but the government there recently passed a new law which says people within its borders are not subject to World Court rulings.
On another note regarding this thread, I don't think I've ever seen a strawman argument as lame as "you lefties don't care about Defense Dept. employees being out of work. The Defense Dept. employed thousands before this illegal war and stopping an illegal war does not mean layoffs at the Dept. of Defense. What an unbelievable dumbass!
November 15th, 2007 at 7:53 pmThis sounds like something to be lifted and used in next Saturday's Democratic response to Bush's radio address. It blows the covers off the Bush talking points about the irresponsible Democratic majority. Say it loud and say it often.
November 15th, 2007 at 8:16 pmMaybe you’ll get a extra heaping of desert for your “efforts.â€
Troll.
Comment by Usual Leftist — November 15, 2007 @ 7:46 pm
Ah, typical Republican Wingnut, pretending to be something other than what you are - lying, and calling others names that best describe you. Yep, you're a classic projecting republican hypocrite...
November 15th, 2007 at 8:29 pmI would really like to see a breakdown of the 2000 earmarks in the bill Bush vetoed. I'm willing to bet the farm that there were far more Republican earmarks than Democratic earmarks.
And look at the bar chart in this post. The Democrats have obviously been doing something right when it comes to earmarks since they are less than half of what last year's were. And I don't remember hearing the Chimp complain about the 28 billion dollars in earmarks from last year.
November 15th, 2007 at 8:47 pmBush Stuffs Spending Bills With Earmarks For Dad’s Foundation, Wife’s Librarian Program
November 15th, 2007 at 9:00 pmSo disgusting... no words strong enough. Now who is going to give a F for Daddy Bush's Foundation or Wifey’s Librarian Program?... screammmmmm
Our country is folding, Katrina victims still suffer, our Veterans are being screwed, not enough equipment for the troops, troops wives on food stamps,our children need health care, 18,000 of our population needlessly DIE because of no health care, on and on... and this stupid little f'er wants to give daddy and wifey millions for frivolous crap no one cares about?
Again, for your consideration, from former Congresswoman and constutional scholar Elizabeth Holzman:
That the best you can do? What about rigging votes, an occupation of Iraq, nukes in Pakistan, etc etc etc etc. My whole point, the point about creating a new title instead of President is that the law doesn't matter any more.
You think you're going to see W in prison? Good luck with that.
November 15th, 2007 at 10:27 pmDubya is the number one hypocrite in America and Darth Dicky Cheney a very close 2nd place.
November 15th, 2007 at 10:30 pm“Republicans’ newfound fascination with spending stems from a simple reality: They suffered badly over the issue in 2006,â€
It annoys me that the Bush loyalists can spout obvious lies like this one and get away with it.
Republicans don't have a "newfound fascination with spending"; they always have loved spending. Otherwise, the cost of the invasion and occupation of both Iraq and Afghanistan wouldn't be projected to be in the trillions of dollars.
November 15th, 2007 at 11:30 pmWe want the military shut down. We want DoD employees furloughed and unable to feed their families.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/ wp-dyn/ content/ article/ 2007/ 11/ 15/ AR2007111501755.html
Comment by Usual Leftist — November 15, 2007 @ 6:57 pm
I'm all for it. it's the first good idea you've ever had, UL. shut down the DOD, put them in the streets, cut the funding, bring the troops home. Excellent plan.
November 15th, 2007 at 11:38 pmHello!
Bush wants line item veto power. He should not get that.
Congress, our weak ass Congress has the power to stop ear-marked legislation. Congress should assert its power to stop this nonsense.
Congress doesn't need Bush's approval to stop earmarks.
Congress must stop flaking and stop earmarks.
Quit the shennaginans . . . Americans are not fooled. We elected you to stop this nonsense. Stop it before it ever lands on Bush's doorstep.
If he decides to stick this pork back in . . . that a Bush, GOP problem.
Clean house . . . you promised.
November 16th, 2007 at 1:08 amSh**t,
Americans are losing their homes and livelihoods.
America is a country based upon democratic ideals and free enterprise.
There is no free enterprise if the world of ideas is controlled by a vested conglogerate of media and energy powers. It's a facist state cloaked in the vestiges of a democracy.
We must have a dissimation of media ownership, a country if independent thinkers who can freely express their ideas on the Internet without fear that our independent ideas will be hijacked by the likes of Halliburton, General Dynamics, Boeing & Co. The sanctity of intellect and entrepreunership must be guarded.
We've got none of that now. Unfortunately, the victims of this government sanctioned, corporate espionage is a hidden secret. The banks don't want to speake about the magnitude of fraud, lest every day Americans lose faith, the media companies fear loss of their corporate sponsorships . . . all in all . . . people and corporations are afraid to speak. . . .that next slop of pork may be just around the corner. America be damned. We need to feed.
Hopefully, a tsunami won't strike NY or DC. Last thing we need is another hack "doin' a hell of a job."
Equal justice . . . you or I chase some administrative assistant through town, blowing every stop light for miles, running over a guy's foot, hijacking a car and three guys in it, haviing a history of alcohol and drug abuse . . . scaring the bejesus out of a woman to the point that she drives to the police station, lands on the lawn of the LAPD, blares her horn, cops come out with guns pointed, cocaine found in the car . . . and little Lindsay Lohan gets 45 minutes in the can.
Let's see. Equal justice for all?
November 16th, 2007 at 1:26 amYeah, sorry about the rant,
But consider Texas, "Three Strikes You're Out." Person gets busted with a joint for the third time and they get life. If Britney or Lindsey were busted for the third time, not only would that have been years ago, and they wouldn't be working with producers to put out their next disc, they would be in the clink, with a girlfrined, bartering cigarettes.
Instead they're roll-models for pre-teens, who question, "I wanna be famous . . . there's always 'sh*t nickkle, lookin' for a recording contract . . .maybe I should make a sex tape and post it on face . . . something." I have a paper route. Don't know, [Daddy's banging on the door e's such a crack head, lawyer, marine, bus driver . . . Heck . . . I did promise to walk the puppy. . . ]
Thanksgiving . . . such a lie. Exporting democracy. Exporting family values. . . . Mom and Dad just got laid off. Thinking they're both going to get plastered. . . . I gotta get out. A sex vidio would probably sell, Sh*t has contacts.
November 16th, 2007 at 1:49 amJust making sure he's got all his Christmas gifts 'earmarked'.
I'd like to see him get a night time visit from the souls of all the dead.
And if I could give him some gifts they'd be a heart, a soul, and a conscience. He's lacking all three.
November 16th, 2007 at 6:43 amI agree with TP on this one. Every single bill that has an earmark should not be passed or needs a veto. It is time to tell congress and this president to stop stealing ourt money. They steal more then enough with all the entitlement programs. These earmarks are just junk. I am glad Bush Vetoed that bill as I am glad congress removed some of his crap. We need a law stating earmarks are 100% illegal.
November 16th, 2007 at 9:36 amNote to Paraguay, while bushy boy may have decimated our military, I'm sure they'll be thrilled to squash you like a bug to send this war criminal to the Hague. Those who harbor terrists...............
November 16th, 2007 at 2:32 pm