Carolyn B. Maloney: “I rise today in strong support of the so-called Frank amendment to delete $1.2 billion in deficit spending for the…”

“I rise today in strong support of the so-called Frank amendment to delete $1.2 billion in deficit spending for the Pentagon. Once again, Congress seems intent on fueling our constituents' anger over totally unnecessary deficit spending. The underlying bill was designed to provide vital relief to the victims of the tragic earthquake which struck California, but this bill was not designed to fund military operations which have been going on for up to 3 years. To include this spending makes a mockery of the word ``emergency'', and demeans the suffering of the quake victims. The Pentagon has $265 billion a year to spend. It is about time they learned to budget for ongoing operations. If the Pentagon really needs another $1.2 billion for its budget, at least we should follow normal procedure and properly consider it in the appropriations process this year. We should not sneak it through as an emergency supplemental. The American people support true compassionate emergency aid for the victims of disaster in California, but they will not and should not support this kind of hidden defense spending. I urge adoption of the so-called Frank amendment.”