While the House of Representatives have been locked in a wrestling match with the White House for weeks over the budget, Sen. Mitch McConnell (R., KY) has been quietly forging a deal that would re-open the federal government – largely on the terms of the Democratic members. This morning, however, various sites are reporting on an added item to the deal: a $3 billion earmark for Kentucky. They are calling it the ‘Kentucky Kickback” and objecting to how these deals reflect the resumption of “business as usual” in terms of spending.
The money is for the massive Olmsted Dam Lock in Paducah, Ky., which is massively over-budget. The earmark would increase the appropriations for the dam from $775 million to nearly $2.9 billion.
It is worth noting that (while the over-runs should be investigated for breathtakingly poor management and dubious contracting practices by the Corps of Engineers) the dam itself is viewed as important to commerce along the Ohio river. There are also obviously good reasons to end the shutdown regardless any greasing of the skids by the White House with McConnell. However, the timing is being criticized as another example of how national emergencies are used by members to raid the treasury.
As cover, McConnell is sending reporters to Democratic members like Dianne Feinstein and saying it was their idea. In the end, it is not just the timing but the failure of the Congress to engage in meaningful oversight on the costs of such projects that is so disturbing. Once again, it would seem that the Corps either radically underestimated a project (showing utter incompetence) or failed to control the charges and over-runs of contractors (showing utter incompetence). Yet, everyone was saved by the shutdown. The money will follow to Kentucky like the endless roaring Ohio.
http://www.bluegrassbulletin.com/2013/10/criticism-of-mcconnell-is-mind-boggling.html
Our debt now exceeds 100% of GDP. They day is not far off when bond buyers will demand something north of 5% (perhaps well north of 15%) for U.S. debt. When that happens (IMHO, when not if) our entire budget will not suffice to pay the payments on the debt. Congressman, Senators, enjoy your lucre today because the day is not far off when you will be reviled for the ruin you have bestowed on this once great country.
Bruce: It sounds quite juvenile to call the President anything but his given name. Also, please cite your source for your welfare numbers.
SWm for every job the government created during the Obummer administration 75 people went on welfare
McConnell is dirty. Kentucky would be a better place if he was out of office and had to work for a living.
I truly don’t care what they had to give our Yertle, so long as they quelled the coup de crazy.
He does look like the Tailgunner, but he’s a lot smarter. And, I don’t think Cruz is a stone cold alcoholic?
McConnell is facing what me a tight Senate race in Kentucky this year. This is “pork” for the race and was no doubt put into the deal at his suggestion. “Fiscal Conservatives” are only fiscally concerned with spending on the middle class on down. For their own constituency it’s everything goes. In this case the dam will no doubt help Kentuckians and those from other surrounding states. I would surmise it would also serve corporate interests.
Meanwhile, panic was instilled by the media, frightening people with a “phony crisis” in service of what exactly?
SWM, I have expressed my fear here several times that the disgust most folks have w/ the duopoly creates such a desire that another choice be given to us, it can create an environment for a demagogue to emerge. For the first time in polling history, 60% of Americans want another choice, according to Gallup. I don’t know much about this guy Cruz. I know he’s smart and a superb debater. But, he doesn’t have the personality of someone who could be a SUCCESSFUL demagogue. He speaks to a small choir. A successful demagogue has the ability to speak to a large choir. That’s what makes them sometimes difficult to discern from a righteous leader.
McConnell is a study in hypocrisy. The democrats pay his personal ransom demand to open the government and he’s the victim. I wish the Democrats hadn’t caved into his quid pro quo but I am not surprised he demanded it.
Nick, It looks like McConnell extracted a price for his willingness to negotiate. That is business as usual.
Nick, Maybe, Ted Cruz will start a third party but his real desire is to take over the republican party. He, alone, has brought the tea party to its lowest point. His more than noticeable McCarthy like appearance is scaring more than a few people. Some are jokingly saying that he is a secret agent of the democrats. lol
This is how the duopoly works, detailed in This Town, a book I have been shilling for months. For public consumption, Dem/Rep. are in opposition. And, even socially many are. But, when the rubber hits the road, and there’s pork to be eaten, well then it’s an old boys[and girls] club. And, I’m getting the distinct impression SWM is not a fan of Ted Cruz.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wonkblog/wp/2013/10/16/if-ted-cruz-didnt-exist-democrats-would-have-to-invent-him/ The unified democrats got a better deal than they could have imagined largely due to Ted Cruz. BTW, Ted Cruz’s wife is vice president of Goldman Sachs in Houston.
I am shocked that political lucre would ooze its way into politics …
So, you don’t think Democrats, including Obama,, providing plenty of cover for McConnell’s $3Bn wasn’t part of the backroom deal?
Jim DeMint’s group has accused McConnell but later reports indicate that it was President Obama that made the request. The good news is that Ted Cruz and his Tea Party were soundly defeated.
It turns out…. Mr. Magoo, is a worm…….
“As cover, McConnell is sending reporters to Democratic members like Dianne Feinstein and saying it was her idea. ”
Corker was also in favor as this benefits Tennessee and also the President.
Reblogged this on Brittius.com.