Features

April 1, 2007  

TO DEMOCRATS

Who are loading local-interest add-ons to the Iraq war funding bill. Even as they protest against the war, Democrats are tacking on to the $100 billion war supplemental bill requests for aid that would provide $10 billion for unrelated causes. For example, farmers in California — home state of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi — would get more than $1 billion in subsidies to compensate for crops lost in the January freeze. And House Appropriations Committee chairman David Obey (D-Wis.) is seeking a $3 billion add-on for local communities affected by military base closings.

Larding an emergency supplemental bill with unrelated, nonemergency add-ons may not be a new congressional trick. But to simultaneously cry foul over the war while seizing it as opportunity to stock the pork pantry is the height of hypocrisy.