David Obey: “I do not want to in any way prejudge this project because I do not know anything about it. But in light of some of the…”

“I do not want to in any way prejudge this project because I do not know anything about it. But in light of some of the things that have happened today, I want to make some observations about this project. This project was brought before the Subcommittee on Energy and Water. That subcommittee is controlled 7 to 4 by the majority party. The subcommittee looked at it and chose not to approve it. Now we are being asked to approve an energy and water project on a Department of Defense appropriations bill. It is what is traditionally called by some people pork because it is an individual project for an individual Member. I make no judgment about whether that is good or bad. I am not offended by pork if it is responsible. I think it is just as reasonable for Congress to designate projects as it is for the Secretary of any agency. But I want to note that for the last 2 weeks I have been begging this House to review objectively and support a crucial amendment that would have addressed many of the crucial homeland security issues facing this country.”