Ed Whitfield: “one of the most egregious wrongs imposed on taxpayers during the past 40 years has been a policy which gives tax money…”

“one of the most egregious wrongs imposed on taxpayers during the past 40 years has been a policy which gives tax money to various lobby groups that advocate special programs for particular groups. The Istook-McIntosh Federal grant reform amendment to the Labor Appropriation bill would put a halt to taxpayers' money going to support political advocacy groups they may not want to support. Thomas Jefferson said it best when he said, ``To compel a man to furnish funds for the propagation of ideas he disbelieves and abhors is sinful and tyrannical.'' The Government should not use taxpayers' money to strengthen special interest groups which do not reflect the views of most Americans. This is wrong, and I urge support of the Istook- McIntosh Federal grant reform amendment to the Labor-Education appropriation bill.”