Time to put pressure on Arlen Specter

We have been given some time to mobilize our efforts and exert additional pressure in stopping the Obama/Pelosi “stimulus” package. With the tentative deal still on shaky grounds, Harry Reid has pushed the vote to Monday. There is sufficient evidence that Collins can “un-break” ranks and refuse to vote if the Democrat amendments make the bill top heavy. The tentative deal is already larger than the one she agreed to. This is perfect considering this senate term might be her last.

However, Arlen Specter is planning to run again in 2010. This is a perfect opportunity to voice your opinion and without sounding like a mafiozo soldier warn him that it might be in his best interest to stick with the GOP this time around. We can forgive him Geithner, SCHIP and everything else he sold conservatives down the river on.

Olympia Snowe’s next run is not for many years and she is therefore not possible to directly pressure, but if Collins and Specter can be persuaded she will refuse to be the only Republican. At least we could hope

His form is here: Specter webform.

This is the letter I wrote, feel free to copy and paste.

Senator Specter,

I am sure you have received numerous letters and phone calls on the stimulus bill that you are supposedly backing. I would like you to seriously reconsider voting for this bill based on a few very simple points. I watched you speak on the Senate floor and it was quite apparent that what you are backing is not something you truly believe in. It is impossible for average Americans to understand what goes on behind closed doors, special deals, arrangements, etc. Your own words however are quite indicative that this bill is trash and you know it. As a Senator, you have one of the most important jobs in America. The phrase “this is the best we can do” when it comes to mortgaging the future of the next two generation is NOT good enough. What private industry would accept “this is the best we can do” when passing the biggest spending project in history?

No industry would EVER accept it. You are playing with fire and there is no way that every single Republican in the House and 37 of your other colleagues are wrong. Not possible. How can you break ranks on something as crucial as this? You want to vote for Geithner? Support SCHIP? Fine. Not every Republican is the same, but this is possibly the biggest piece of legislation of our lifetimes and you are wiling to go with “this is the best we can do?”.

Senator, you are running again in 2010. As someone who runs his own conservative blog it is becoming very clear that your support is vanishing faster than you can imagine. There is already a grass-root effort forming to stop you from winning in 2010 even if forces the conservatives of PA to vote for a Democrat. This is a very serious matter and while it is apparent that Senator Collins could care less.

I have no power to threaten, nor is this the best way to conduct business. But ultimately your job depends on the people you represent. The people of America do NOT want this bill. Only 37% of the people support this and most are Democrats. Do not let the Pelosi “we won, we make the rules” bill pass. It is shameful.

Lastly, there is no actual rush. You can always start small and build up! Once this bill goes out the door you have no control of the budget, it’s gone! If Joe Biden is right and there is a 30% chance of failure, and it will invariably fail, the risk is too great. Oppose this bill and start from scratch with a REAL bi-partisan effort.

Sincerely.

Stimulus watch.

I will be providing regular updates on tonight’s stimulus bill discussions, given the fact that this monstrosity might be voted on tonight.

UPDATE: Pretty clear that this will not be voted on tonight, Reid has pushed for a special weekend session. Amendments incoming, stay tuned.

Saturday

2:00pm – Vote officially pushed off until Monday, both sides will debate the bill for several hours.

Friday

11:26 – Signing out folks, few random amendments left, will check in tomorrow. Good night!

11:25 – Harry Reid realizes that they will not finish by 12 and is proposing to meet tomorrow to debate the merits of the bill.

11:22 – Results incoming, all Republicans voting AYE. Most Democrats voting NAY. I cannot believe how many Democrats are handing over 4.1 Billion of taxpayer money to ACORN. Why does this have to be a partisan issue? ACORN is a group that destabilizes our voting process and compromises our country’s law and order. They were intimately involved in the sub-prime scandal and should be dismantled, not given more money. If there is one thing that should outrage you the most, it’s this particular provision.

AYE 45 NAY 51, Amendment struck down – ACORN will get their 4.1 Billion.

11:03 – David Vitter (R-LA) Proposed amendment to strip the 4.1 Billion designed for ACORN on the grounds that ACORN is an awful and disgusting organization acting in a partisan fashion. Dick Durbin stood up in defense of ACORN citing that this organization helped during Katrina and therefore should be rewarded. They helped in New Orleans? Oh yeah, that place is looking real nice these days, good job ACORN! What the hell is wrong with Durbin? Has he been living under a giant rock this entire time? Acorn is being indicted in over 10 states for unprecedented voter fraud registration and they have been found guilty on numerous charges. This is just sickening. Props to Vitter for bringing this up. Roll call being taken right now on this amendment.

11:01 – Cantwell amendment passed by voice vote.

10:45 – Cantwell (D-WA) amendment proposed to stimulate manufacturing for alternative energy citing that America is lagging behind in this technology. Jeff Sessions speaks out objecting that this amendment violates a certain resolution and should be not in this particular stimuluss bill, but Cantwell quickly cites a 1974 Act supporting her action and they move to a 10 minute vote.

10:42 – AYE 47/NAY49 amendment struck down by a very close vote!

10:28 – Grassley amendment proposed to flatten out the medicaid subsidies such that no state gets more than another state. Opposed strongly by Democrats stating that in the future this is an absolute requirement. Roll call taken.

10:25 – Martinez (R-FL)/Dodd (D-CT) amendment proposed to use TARP money for foreclosure mitigation. Bob Corker raises objection that using TARP money is a serious violation of the original intention of TARP, suggesting that it was supposed to be a loan intended to be paid back to the taxpayers. Dodd retorts that the TARP was supposed to help foreclosures and it failed to do so, so now he is taking it upon himself to help foreclosures. Voice votes taken, AYEs took it, Amendment passed.

10:22 – Results announced, almost every Republican AYE, almost every Democrat NAY.
Amendment is struck down 39-57, Graham is seen jumping out the window.

9:58 – Conrad(D-ND)/Graham(R-SC) amendment proposed to help housing, supposedly to prevent 1.5 million foreclosures. They are using money originally intended to be spent on STD prevention and smoking cessation. Chuck Schumer opposes the amendment suggesting that TARP3 will take care of it, Baucus adds that this will just complicate matters (another monkey wrench reference) and also urges that this amendment fails. Graham is having an emotional breakdown somewhere in the corner. Votes being counted.

9:53 – Jeff Sessions is upset that his amendment is being left out, Reid tells him to wait, Sessions astutely points out that if not now, then when? Reid dismissed the nuisance and tells Sessions to hold his horsies and he will TAKE CARE OF IT.

9:50 – Harry Reid is speaking and proposing that all amendments proposed today are to be voted on right now with 2 minute debate for each.

9:20 – Still nothing, although Harry Reid is now eyeing the possibility of a weekend session to finish things up.

8:59 – Debate is over, roll call time.

8:57 – Harry Reid shows his age by announcing that he arrived in the Senate with McCain 27 years ago and how impressed he is with the leadership that he sometimes sees from the maverick. McCain responds with pleasantries and tells Harry that they appreciate the hard work he is doing. Good job maverick, way to be civil. Can I remind you that Harry complained 1 hour ago about having a debate in the first place? Political correctness is so lame.

8:56 – McCain ridicules Obama for predicting that the bill will pass with 80 votes. Then points out that the senate has a very low approval rating and warns that TARP3 and other bills will be a very challenging time, still he wants to work together and actually act in a bi-partisan manner. Can’t we all just get along!? McCain exits by saying that Reid allowed many amendments and therefore he is not a complete loser.

8:53 – McCain is doing wrap up from the Republican side. Apparently he must have taken a Xanax a few minutes ago because he appears to be much calmer.

8:51 – Sessions mentions the CBO report from yesterday and that in 10 years our GDP will be less than if we had no bill at all! Too bad the GOP have been hammering that notion all day long and the Democrats either do not know what the CBO is or simply do not care what might happen in 10 years.

8:50 – Jeff Sessions (AL) is speaking in a hypnotic and harmonic fashion, while thanking McCain for his leadership, stating that tax cuts is something he agrees with. *phew*

8:49 – Mel Martinez states that he can no longer support the bill and he is still waiting to see a compromise. Oh snap, that is a direct attack on the gang. JoeyL officially broke down from the verbal abuse. Specter demands the jacket back.

8:47 – Johanns picks up the bill and barely leafs through it, pointing out that it is a very heavy and long book to read. Coburn is supervising and occasionally nods in approval. Martinez takes the floor out of nowhere, Johanns is young and nimble.

8:45 – Mike Johanns (NE) takes the floor and announces that he is the new boy on the block and he is exhausted from taking soooooo many damn votes.

8:43 – Graham makes fun of the gang and their “best we could do” attitude. I know this guy is a RINO, but this is gold! Pulling a Coburnesque prophetic move, Graham predicts TARP3 on Monday and states that TARP1 was hard and TARP2 was tough, therefore TARP3 will be impossible. He takes a deep sigh and almost sent chills down my spine saying that the American people are fed up with him, fed up with the senate and that he just hopes to god that somehow we will pull through this. I am not laughing anymore, he looks defeated.

8:40 – Graham recycled some previous material but sounds as if someone just passed away. Something to the tune of American people being screwed, Democrats are stupid, process sucking and that his dear friends (Specter, Collins) are basically douche bags.

8:38 – Lindsey Graham (SC) popped up and announced that he loves JoeyL to death. Ok, enough hugging and kissing, time for fightin‘. Lindsey warns Obama to NOT make the same speech he made yesterday, ever again!! Woweee, demz fightin‘ words.

8:34 – Coburn plays nice and claims that Obama is his close personal friend. Wtf? That was random. He then continues by saying that “this body works on the power of 60″ while holding his hand to the sky. Very poignant and powerful.

8:33 – Coburn renamed the 2009 Economy Recovery act to Generational Theft Bill. I think he should propose a motion for an official name change. Thune accuses Coburn of copyright infringement.

8:32- Tom Coburn (OK) has taken the floor and with a smirk announces that he KNEW they were going to be debating this tonight. I am personally impressed with his prophetic attitude.
A la Nostradamus, Coburn predicts that every American will get a $12,000 surcharge added to them because of this bill. Lindsey Graham is sitting behind him in a dream state, relishing the opportunity that the Democrats have handed the GOP.

8:30 – Thune is continuing to be a goody two shoes and using facts. Mentioning that there are 535 members of congress. Out of those 535 only two republicans are actually supporting the bill, he then makes a painful conclusion that this is probably NOT a bi-partisan effort. I am fearing for his life.

8:27 – John Thune is pointing out what has now become a reality, the bill is larger than the one passed by the House. Specter is pulling out his calculator, Nelson is scratching his head. JoeyL is making threatening gestures.

8:24 – John Thune (SD) is speaking. Thune opens his speech by saying that this is the largest generational transfer of wealth in history. I think I got that right, not sure, some kind of fancy talk that probably really pissed off the Gang. Watch your back Thune.

8:23 – Jon Kyl (AR) is speaking. Kyl has brought to evidence that the 780B number is a farce. Turns out that there are some hidden amendments not mentioned and that the actual total is 826B, which is higher than the House’s bill. Kyl then asks why pell grants are a part of a stimulus bill? Good question, I have no idea. Before I procure an answer he asks why is there 6 billion allocated for special education and how long will it take to train a special ed. teacher? Christ, Jon, I DONT KNOW. Stop asking hard questions, why dont you go punch Arlen Specter in the stomach for being a rat? Either way, Jon Kyl is planning to take some time to read this bill – so much for tonight’s vote?

8:19 – McCain has not taken a breath yet and now grilling the Senate for rejecting amendments that he supported. Specifically a trigger that would cause a spending halt once America experiences two positive GDP quarters in a row. His specific question was “Why in the world was this not passed?”. He then throws off his device while saying “If this bill passes, it will be a very bad day in America”. *BRAVO* 5 stars!

8:17 – McCain just rode in on his horse sporting a 6 shooter and his maverick t-shirt. He is visibly angry and fired up. I am digging this. He just blasted the gang by making fun of their bi-partisanship by pointing out that two republican senators does not constitute bi-partisanship! Hah, you go boy! Then mentions that 0 Republicans supported in the house, just in case the long nights fried everyone’s brain and they forgot. Who would have thought that CSPAN could be so much fun!

8:13 – McConnell yields the floor to McCain and exits by saying that he is still skeptical and refuses to acccept the billl.

8:12 – Mitch McConnell aka monkey wrench is now speaking. Finally pointing out that the size of the bill is pretty much the same as the one the House passed. Duh? Gang is giving him dirty looks and cracking their nuckles. Mitch is continuing to piss them off by pointing out that factoring in the interest to be paid on the bill, the total is over 1 trillion.

8:07 – Lieberman suggested that the rest of the time be spent on debate, at which point Harry Reid provides a sermon reminding that time for debate will be available during future bills. He is skeptical of the new gang member JoeyL and fears he might be throwing a monkey wrench into the process. Damn those debaters and ability to expose the BS that they call a “bi-partisan” effort. Since when is 15 Democrats and 3 Republicans a bi-partisan effort?

8:05 – Lieberman continues thanking his colleagues, I think they are starting to get embarrassed. He mentions that the economic indicators are getting worse every single day and that these compassionate gang members just want to pass SOMETHING. I am glad that they are taking their job seriously and really thinking about this long and hard. It’s just 780B, not a big deal.

8:01 – Lieberman laments about his childhood and regrets not joining a gang, now he is once again thanking his colleagues about letting him join the gang of 18. Finally he can feel loved and accepted! I am waiting for them to pull out jackets and administer wedgies to Mitch McConnell.

7:58 – Lieberman spends most of his time thanking his colleagues, guess he forgave them for being stabbed in the back. He is confident and is very happy that they can finally save America from the apocalypse that is approaching us. He so far has not provided any details on what exactly he provided, other than cutting out some ‘non-stimulating’ details. If he was cutting out the non-stimulating portion of the bill, I think that would leave the binding and maybe the cover page.

7:52 – Specter is now defending leaving 13 billion for ‘special’ education because it is a federal mandate. Also leaving child care money, I guess SCHIP was not enough. He then proudly announced that the bill has been reduced by 140 billion dollars! Then before departing admits the bill is a “bad bill”, but regrettably mumbled that it was truly the best they can do. Gee, thanks. I am glad I am paying YOUR salary.

7:51 – Specter admits that certain items in the bill are giving him heartburn. Perhaps he should stop snacking on the pages he does not like, although I understand that hunger sets in late at night.

7:50pm – Specter is now speaking. I am developing a strong dislike towards this man and believe he should be removed in 2010. Hope some Pennsylvanians are paying attention, although they DID re-elect Murtha. Anyway, Specter is providing evidence from some chamber that support the bill. Mind you all day they have been stating that “economists agree” or “economists disagree”, but would usually add vague generalities like…”ALL economists agree”..etc. How about a Rasmussen poll that suggests support for the bill is down to 37%? American people do NOT want this!!

7:45pm – Collins is now speaking. She decided to remind the people once more that they cut over 100 billion. I think they are tired, because it sounds stupid. She then went on to say that they are trying to improve the electrical grid, provide money to education for disadvantaged students and pell grants. That is all nice, but how is that a stimulus? She mentioned tax relief for the middle class, but did not actually provide details. What tax relief? Credit checks? USELESS! Collins sounds tired and parroting Nelson, nothing interesting.

7:35pm – Nelson proudly announces that the bill is now 780 billion and that they cut over 100 billion worth of pork. What!? When they got the bill it was 819 billion, they were the ones that added all sorts of junk to it. He has got to be kidding. Its like a car salesman who jacks up his cars by 1 million dollars, then slashes it by 900,000 and claims its a 90% sale. Idiotic.

7:30pm – Harry Reid is showing uncertainty and suggested that it might be voted on tomorrow. He wanted the four architects of the revised bill to speak; Nelson, Specter, Collins and Lieberman.

CNN: Stupid or biased? Defends stimulus bill.

With support of the stimulus bill waning even further (Half of America believes bill will worsen the situation), I was surprised to see CNN’s headline story today in the money section defending this package.

The title: Out of work? Stimulus bill will help

A few lines are mentioned regarding the intended job creation, but no explanation or details. Instead the article breaks down several key points of the bill and how it will help those that are unemployed. I was expecting to see a list of potential jobs or industries, but instead we are greeted with the following.

Bigger checks:
Those that are unemployed get more money. About $25 a week more.

Extended benefits:
Those that are unemployed get more money for a longer period of time.

Expanding coverage:
Billions go to individual states to expand the definition of who is eligible for bigger checks + extended benefits. Don’t forget 500 million in administrative costs (btw, about 41 states asked for help, which means about 20 billion in administrative costs alone if this goes through.)

Subsidized access to health insurance:
Longer health insurance coverage under COBRA

Assistance for states:
Suspending interest for those states loaning from the federal government.

So this is what the article covers and I am sure they are proud as all hell to be featuring this litany of handouts under the pretext of a STIMULUS bill! The article then finishes off with this beauty.

“..executive director of the National Employment Law Project.
On top of that, it will help stimulate the economy, since most people receiving unemployment benefits spend the money quickly, economist said.”

CNN has been shilling for Obama since their first encounter, that much was clear. Even now they are continuing to defend his proposals in the face of obvious discontent. The majority of Americans have already realized that they are being taken for a fool and now half believe this bill will not only fail to stimulate, but will the opposite effect! This is a profound realization and an equally profound statement. Senators should be throwing out this piece of junk and starting over, instead they are proposing amendments by the 100s in order to bring just enough individuals over to pass this heap ‘o crap. CNN is doing everything they can to defend the president and in the words of Chris Matthews have taken it upon themselves to make this presidency work. CNN’s highliting of Keynesian economics, despite it’s historic failure is equally transparent and pathetic.

Mitch McConnell’s amendment to porkulus is HORRIBLE.

Just when you thought that the GOP is back to it’s old self after unanimously rejecting the 819 billion porkulus package, in comes minority leader Mitch McConnell. His latest proposal to amend the stimulass package is astonishing. He proposes that the government offers millions of fixed rate mortgages at 4 to 4.5 percent! I am no economist, but upon reading this I threw up a little in my mouth. Just kidding…threw up a lot.

As a free market loving, small government wanting fiscally conservative soul I am stunned that this could come out of the GOP. To think that this is what would make McConnell approve this porkulus package is equally saddening. Some of the possible consequences that could arise.

• Free market violations: By infusing the market with fabricated rates that do not correspond to the actual bond market is will disrupt an already weakened mortgage market. This is similar to price fixing and something that was done during the Great Depression.
• House values: Values will drop even further, despite what Mitch thinks. This might temporarily slow down foreclosures, but it will have the awful long term effect of entrenching owners in their homes. Imagine for a second that you are holding a 4.0% 30-year fixed on your home. You are thinking of moving and learn that rates are now at about 10%. Will you move? NO. This could happen in 3-5 years easily as inflation rears it’s ugly head.
• Rent control: People will refuse to sell their homes if they are enjoying these kind of rates. In situations where people are ready to move out (ie retirees) to a smaller condo, they will simply rent the home out. With such a small rate in a matter of years renting the home will become extremely lucrative. Nice homes in affluent areas will get run down as houses turn into rental properties.
• New construction: New homes sales are already slumping in record ways, because people will be tempted to stay in their existing homes to maintain their attractive rates, sales of new homes will not pick up.

This is just an awful plan, through and through. Minority leader should be ashamed of proposing something as short sighted as this.

If the GOP want to amend this disgusting piece of crap called a stimulass package, they need to propose two things and two things only.

1. Lower corporate rates to 15-20%. They want to create jobs? This will create jobs.
2. Lower capital gains tax to 5-10%. People concerned about their 401k? Watch the market fly into the stratosphere.

And finally, STOP SPENDING on USELESS projects that provide no growth!

You know a bill is BAD when…

You got the full weight of the craziest lefties in America behind it. Looks like on moveon.org is utterly flabbergasted upon learning that not a single Republican in the house voted to support this piece of junk. It would appear that they are suffering from reality shock, after all, how could such a large group of politicians oppose dear leader’s proposal? After all, he won!? The only conclusion…they must be Nazis. So now, in the midst of celebrating their 10 year existence and their 4.2 million person membership (about 1.5% of America’s population) they have launched a campaign. They want a massive outcry and to encourage Republican senators next week to support this broiled pork chop. This is from their website:

“Lobbyists and their conservative allies in Congress are working hard to kill these crucial provisions and instead spend that money on more tax cuts for the rich. Only a massive public outcry will make sure Obama and Congress stand firm for these key investments in our economy. Can you sign our petition right away? A compiled petition with your individual comment will be presented to your Senators and Representative. “

Crucial provisions? Look at the post from a few days ago to see just how crucial these provisions are. I suppose 4.1 billion to non-profit groups like ACORN and multiple billions to upgrade federal buildings is certainly crucial. More tax cuts for the rich!? What tax cuts on the rich are they talking about and how could you spend money on a tax cut? You mean, NOT spend money on government programs that are collected FROM the rich? This logic is so woefully painful, that I am inevitably naturally concerned for the mental health of those 4.2 million members.

They plan to run television ads in the states of certain Republican senators whose term is ending in 2010 in an effort to persuade them to vote for this rack of baby back ribs. While what happened yesterday in the House was extremely impressive, Republicans have a long way to go to demonstrate to the conservative base that they have pulled their head out of their moderate rectal passages. A filibuster next week to squash this pile of bacon will be another monumental step. Some people like Michelle Malkin were suggesting yesterday that people email every single representative, a tall order no doubt, but a much easier task would be to contact about 10 or so moderate republicans. I have compiled a list of the most likely Republicans that will be targeted to break rank and similarly a list of blue dog democrats that *might* suddenly care about their country.

I included links to their profiles so that you can contact them individually or print out their pictures to practice witchcraft and other dark arts.

GOP:
Arlen Specter
Bob Corker
Susan Collins
Richard Shelby
Orrin Hatch
Olympia Snowe - Should seriously consider changing parties
Richard Lugar
George Voinovich

Here is a list of possible democrats you should contact and shower with pleasantries, inform them of their wonderful American sensibilities and other false, but feel-good hogwash.

Democrat:
Ben Nelson
Jim Webb
Mark Pryor
John Salazar

That is about it, if you feel some names do not belong or would like to make your own contribution, please feel free. If anyone feels like compiling a list of e-mails for convenient blasting, my laziness will thank you.

Obama’s first huge lie.

I knew this will happen, good thing I hung on to Obama’s quotes. In light of the 825 billion stimulus package that I dissected earlier today with proof that it is mired with pork (billions worth), here is a quote from Obama from about three weeks ago from this story.

This is referring exactly to the bill that he is trying to shove down our throats.

The package will set a “new higher standard of accountability, transparency and oversight. We are going to ban all earmarks, the process by which individual members insert projects without review,” he said. “We’re not having earmarks in the recovery package. Period.”

Only if you were to consider billions of dollars going to non-profit groups like ACORN, hundreds of millions to buy new government vehicles, millions for global warming research, millions for digital tv conversion subsidies, billions to upgrade federal buildings, millions for clearing out water pollution and a slew of other items as NON-pork. Technically speaking individual members did not insert projects without review, so yeah, I guess there are no earmarks.

Details of 825 billion stimulus package

The big vote in the House is coming on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 aka the Obama stimulus package aka New Deal 2 aka Rush sucks and Liberals rule. The details of the text, like of many bills is detailed, but can be found here. I just spent quite some time reading through the text of the bill and have outlined the major proposals here. I think it is important that Americans understand what our money is being spent on in the name of recovery. This is not a comprehensive list, as it will take many pages to outline the random pork projects.

The bill outlines the objectives and they are as followed, with my comments below:

(1) modernize the nation’s infrastructure;
This will be a giant waste of money. There is nothing that can be done to significantly improve our industry such that it will stimulate economic recovery. This is similar to FDR’s public work’s projects and not only did they have the desired effect, but many suffered from corruption and waste offering much worse than their competition like the TVA.

(2) enhance America’s energy independence;
Well this would be great if we were not in a recession. Oil right now is relatively speaking very cheap, what exactly is the incentive for our industries to switch to green energy? Even if we were to agree that dropping the oil dependency is a must for our security, shouldn’t this be done when our companies are NOT in the red?

(3) expand educational opportunities;
This does nothing for our economy. Period.

(4) preserve and improve affordable health care;
This is a step towards universal health care and somehow under the guise of the recession a ton of money is going to be allocated to start the ball rolling on this process. Just like during the New Deal we will get government programs that will stay with us, our children and our grandchildren ie Social Security.

(5) provide tax relief;
This tax relief will mostly be for lower-income families, many of whom do not pay federal taxes. This is not tax relief, but free money given to people for spending purposes. Bush tried this already and it does not work. It is truly amazing to see another attempt at Keynesian economics when they have demonstrated their failure over and over.

(6) protect those in greatest need.
Um..? What the hell? Two words…WELFARE STATE.

Major spending in the name of recovery, directly from the Bill.

The following is a variety of home construction, restoration and loans for housing and urban development. Somehow the idea that if more people get Internet access, our economy will recover. They are ordered chronologically as they appear in the bill. My comments in italics.

22.1 Billion: Loans to section 502 borrowers, of which $4,018,000,000 shall be for direct loans, and of which $18,111,000,000 shall be for unsubsidized guaranteed loans.
5.8 Billion: Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act, to be available from the rural community advancement program, as follows
2.8 Billion: Distance learning, telemedicine, and broadband program
600 Million: Accelerating satellite development and acquisition, acquiring climate sensors and climate modeling capacity, and establishing climate data records
400 Million: Habitat restoration and mitigation activities for National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

4 Billion: State and local law enforcement assistance & community oriented policing services.
400 Million: Major Research Equipment and Facilities Construction’

4.5 Billion: Facilities Sustainment, Restoration and Modernization programs of the Department of Defense (including minor construction and major maintenance and repair).

18.5 Billion: Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
This is a balloon appropriation that will be branched out to various energy efficiency projects mandated by; Energy Policy and Conservation Act and Energy Policy Act of 2005.

7.7 Billion: Construction, repair, and alteration of Federal buildings for projects that will create the greatest impact on energy efficiency and conservation, 1 Billion of which will be used for border facilities and land ports of entry.
A massive expense on federal building projects, why is it that such a massive allocation goes toward government related goodies? In time of need and economic recession, do we really need to upgrade our federal buildings?

600 Million: Energy efficient federal motor vehicle fleet procurement
This is shocking, as this calls for the purchasing and upgrading of government vehicles. What an unbelievable waste of money.

426 Million: Small Business Administration business loans program account.
Wow, 426 million in loans to the people that provide jobs in this country! After spending more on government vehicles, this is especially humiliating.

2.1 Billion: Health Resources and Services
This allocates money to upgrading infrastructure, training of nurses and provide money to investigate and research methodologies.

700 Million: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality 400 Million of which will be used for: Funding appropriated in this paragraph shall be used to accelerate the development and dissemination of research assessing the comparative effectiveness of health care treatments and strategies.
In other words, money will be spent to expedite and prepare foundations for universal health care.

8.4 Billion: State and Tribal Assistance Grants
This will be used to clean up water pollution. Thankfully, because all economists agree that dirty water is the number one cause of recessions.

4 Billion: Employment and Training Administration
Adult training and youth activities, including summer jobs for youth. So this money will be given to the state, so that they can provide jobs. In other words our government will be providing jobs and paying people with money that we do not actually have. This somehow spurs economic recovery?

2.1 Billion: Health Resources and Services
Primary function is for renovation and repair of health centers. *sigh*

1 Billion: Low-Income Home Energy Assistance
2 Billion: Payments to States for the Child Care and Development Block Grant
3.2 Billion: Children and families services programs
Because children are our future.

13 Billion: Education for the Disadvantaged
Staggering amount of money being spent here, instead of investing and considering school choice and vouchers this is where we are funneling billions of dollars.

3 Billion: Grants-in-aid for airports
The section mentioned projects as deemed worthy by Secretary of Transposition and leaves it at that.

30 Billion: Highway infrastructure investment
This is massive and includes the following; Indian reservation roads, park roads and parkways, highway surface transportation (whatever that is). Rest of the money appropriation is not spelled out. This section alone is enough to dub this New Deal II and is an extremely depressing allocation of taxpayer money.

6 Billion: Transit capital assistance.
In accordance with section 5307 of title 49. AKA Urban projects.

300 Million: capital assistance for intercity passenger rail service
If highways can get 30 billion, then rail services can get 300 million. Who cares that rail is more efficient?

5 Billion: Public housing capital fund.
I can ask how this helps economic recovery, but it’s getting old and unoriginal.

2.5 Billion: Section 8 housing

5.1 Billion: Community development fund.
If this one will not have you fuming, nothing else will. 4.1 Billion of this will be used for neighborhood stabilization activities of which a major portion will be awarded to nonprofit entities! Do you know what nonprofit entities are in the business of community development?
No? ACORN! Yes, ACORN! The same organization that launched the largest wave of voter registration fraud during the democrat primaries and general elections is getting it’s money back. Never mind that they are being investigated and prosecuted in multiple states. These organizations also clearly have a political agenda as they only register democrat voters and outright support democrat candidates. This stinks to high heaven.

1.5 Billion: HOME Investment Partnerships Program
More help to people who bought houses they could not afford, who signed mortgages they should not have and now are being rescued by OUR money.

79 Billion: State Fiscal Stabilization Fund
The most aggravating part of this, is that this is all under the power of Department of Education. The money is supposed to be used for administration and oversight (12.5 billion alone!!!), additional programs (whatever that means), state allocations and state grants.

This concludes all the major spending outlines of the bill. The big tax breaks that Obama was talking (welfare checks) are not outlined in the bill or I may have missed them. As you can see, virtually none of the proposed spending has much to do with economic recovery. Even if you were to give our gov’t the benefit of the doubt and pretend that massive injection of funds into our highway system will eventually help our country – it is woefully unclear as to how this will happen, why should we be funding it or why the government is in charge of this. How much of this money will be lost to administration, corruption, waste and mismanagement is obviously the biggest question. Of course liberals do not care about such losses, as that is the cost of doing business.

Note: Any mistakes or if you feel additional material needs to be added, please email me or leave a comment.