Over-stimulus - Irresponsible Budgeting, Nothing New

NY Times - States Awash in Stimulus Money to Weatherize Homes

Ready or not, states are getting a tenfold boost in federal money to weatherize drafty homes, an increase so huge it has raised fears of waste and fraud and set off a scramble to find workers and houses for them to repair.

An obscure program that installs insulation in homes and makes them more energy-efficient is distributing $4.7 billion in stimulus funds -- dwarfing the $447 million originally planned by Congress this year and the $227 million spent in 2008.

That is enough to weatherize 1 million homes, instead of the 140,000 normally done each year.

President Barack Obama said pouring money into the program would lower utility bills for cash-strapped families, provide jobs for construction workers idled by the housing slump, and make the nation more energy-efficient.

''You're getting a three-fer,'' Obama said. ''That's exactly the kind of program we should be funding.''

* * * * *

In addition to receiving an infusion of stimulus money, the program was expanded to cover families making up to twice the federal poverty level, or $44,100 for a family of four. Also, the average amount that can be spent per house was more than doubled to $6,500.

The funding for New York is going up from $20.1 million last year to $395 million. California's share is soaring from $6.3 million to $185.8 million. Virginia's is going up 23 1/2 times, from $4 million annually to $94.1 million.

* * * * *

In Texas, the state's share is increasing nearly 60 times, from $5.6 million to $327 million. To spend the money efficiently and on time, state officials decided to go beyond the community organizations that normally distribute it and route $100 million to large cities.

* * * * *

States are hurrying to find qualified weatherization workers and caulk-ready homes.

Wisconsin set up weatherization ''boot camps'' to train workers. West Virginia used to give new workers on-the-job training but is now looking to move to classrooms and online.

Alabama plans to train home builders in how to bid for weatherization contracts. Russell Davis, vice president of the Alabama Home Builders Association, said builders who once had no interest in weatherization contracts now see them as a way to keep their crews busy.

In many states, qualified homeowners are already on waiting lists. But some states don't have enough recipients signed up.

''We are out of clients. We need clients bad,'' said Cade Gunnells, weatherization coordinator for three counties in central Alabama.

Let's see. Get more people used to receiving free services by moving the line above the poverty level. No budgeting on this, so there is an over-allocation of money. States have more money that they know what to do with. Obama is trying to bankrupt the country. Straight up.

Obama on Health Care (Today)

Washington Post - President Obama Delivers Remarks on Health-Care Reform

Here are some highlights amidst the usual fluff.

This is a problem we can no longer wait to fix. Deferring reform is nothing more than defending the status quo - and those who would oppose our efforts should take a hard look at just what it is they're defending. Over the last decade, health insurance premiums have risen three times faster than wages. Deductibles and out-of-pocket costs are skyrocketing. And every single day we wait to act, thousands of Americans lose their insurance, some turning to nurses in the emergency room as their only recourse.

. . . . .

I know a lot of Americans who are satisfied with their health care right now are wondering what reform would mean for them. Let me be clear: If you like your doctor or health care provider, you can keep them. If you like your health care plan, you can keep that too.

But here's what else reform will mean for you: you'll save money. If you lose your job, change your job, or start a new business, you'll still be able to find quality health insurance you can afford. If you have a preexisting medical condition, no insurance company will be able to deny you coverage. You won't have to worry about being priced out of the market. You won't have to worry about one illness leading your family into financial ruin. That's what reform means.

Over 75% according to a recent poll are satisfied with the current status. So why are we doing this again? Oh - we will save you money. How? How does finding other health care save money if we lose or change our job? What if nothing changes - will I save money?

How will we save money if taxes and fees rise in order to pay for the program?

How will existing providers stay in business if the fed is involved and take a a big chunk of the health care pie? How will they make up for the loss of business? Are these people in private health care who will lose their jobs that Obama mentions?

Just some questions - maybe I am naive.

Note on House Res. 639

Bob Inglis of SC is trying to prevent Barney Frank of MA from redistributing $6.5 billion dollars of TARP money illegally.

In this resolution, Inglis references bill H.R. 3068, where Frank attempts to give the money to the Housing Trust Fund ($1 bil) and the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development ($5.5 bil) for various uses (foreclosures for multifamily properties, redevelopment, Emergency Homeowners Relief Fund credit).

Inglis makes reference to Bush's Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008. It says that money paid back from TARP should be used to lower the federal deficit. He also reference the US Constitution Article 1 Sec. 9 in that money cannot be taken out of the Treasury unless a law is passed that budgets money to a certain area.

U.S. House Activity - July 13, 2009

H. J. RES. 60 - Providing for the approval of the Congress of the proposed agreement for cooperation between the United States and the United Arab Emirates pursuant to the Atomic Energy Act of 1954.

Sponsors: Rep. Howard Berman [D-CA28], Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen [R-FL18]
Status: In committee
Length: Approx. 73 words.

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H. Res. 634 - Acknowledging the 25th anniversary of the nomination of Representative Geraldine A. Ferraro as the first woman selected by a major political party as its candidate for Vice President.

Sponsors: Rep. Joseph Crowley [D-NY7], Rep. Gary Ackerman [D-NY5],Rep. Michael Arcuri [D-NY24], Rep. Timothy Bishop [D-NY1], Rep. Eliot Engel [D-NY17], Rep. Bob Filner [D-CA51], Rep. John Hall [D-NY19], Rep. Maurice Hinchey [D-NY22], Rep. Steve Israel [D-NY2], Rep. Carolyn Maloney [D-NY14], Rep. Eric Massa [D-NY29], Rep. Carolyn McCarthy [D-NY4], Rep. James McGovern [D-MA3], Rep. Michael McMahon [D-NY13], Rep. Scott Murphy [D-NY20], Rep. Jerrold Nadler [D-NY8], Rep. José Serrano [D-NY16]
Status: Introduced
Length: Text not submitted yet

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H. Res. 636 - Directing the Attorney General to transmit to the House of Representatives all information in the Attorney General’s possession relating to the transfer or release of detainees held at Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, into the United States.

Sponsors: Rep. Frank Wolf [R-VA10]
Status: In committee
Length: Approx. 231 words.

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H. Res. 638 - Congratulating the government and people of Turkey as they celebrate Republic Day, and for other purposes.

Sponsors: Rep. Virginia Foxx [R-NC5], Rep. Bill Cassidy [R-LA6], Rep. Steve Cohen [D-TN9], Rep. Alcee Hastings [D-FL23], Rep. Sheila Jackson-Lee [D-TX18], Rep. Eddie Johnson [D-TX30], Rep. Robert Latta [R-OH5], Rep. Jean Schmidt [R-OH2], Rep. Victor Snyder [D-AR2], Rep. Robert Wexler [D-FL19], Rep. Edward Whitfield [R-KY1], Rep. Addison Wilson [R-SC2]
Status: In Committee
Length: Approx. 700 words

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H. Res. 639 - Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that any interest or dividends repaid to the government through the Troubled Asset Relief Program should be used solely for debt reduction, consistent with the authorizing legislation and Article One, Section Nine of the United States Constitution.

Sponsors: Rep. Bob Inglis [R-SC4]
Status: In Committee
Length: Approx. 330 words

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H. Res. 637 - Honoring the life and accomplishments of Herbert Klein and expressing condolences on his passing.

Sponsors: Rep. Brian Bilbray [R-CA50], Rep. Mary Bono Mack [R-CA45], Rep. Ken Calvert [R-CA44], Rep. John Campbell [R-CA48], Rep. Susan Davis [D-CA53], Rep. David Dreier [R-CA26], Rep. Bob Filner [D-CA51], Rep. Duncan Hunter [R-CA52], Rep. Darrell Issa [R-CA49], Rep. Jerry Lewis [R-CA41], Rep. Gary Miller [R-CA42], Rep. Dana Rohrabacher [R-CA46], Rep. Edward Royce [R-CA40]
Status: In Committee
Length: Approx. 590 words

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H.R. 3184 - To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to eliminate the in the home restriction for Medicare coverage of mobility devices for individuals with expected long-term needs.

Sponsors: Rep. James Langevin [D-RI2], Rep. Sanford Bishop [D-GA2], Rep. Russ Carnahan [D-MO3], Rep. André Carson [D-IN7], Rep. Sam Farr [D-CA17], Rep. Rush Holt [D-NJ12], Rep. Patrick Kennedy [D-RI1], Rep. Dennis Kucinich [D-OH10], Rep. Edward Markey [D-MA7], Rep. James McGovern [D-MA3], Rep. John Olver [D-MA1], Rep. Christopher Smith [R-NJ4], Rep. Donald Young [R-AK]
Status: In Committee
Length: Approx. 1030 words

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H.R. 3185 - To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide payment to hospitals for costs of expanded advanced practice nurse training programs.

Sponsors: Rep. Lois Capps [D-CA23]
Status: In Committee
Length: Approx. 520 words

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H.R. 3186 - To provide for the more accurate computation of retirement benefits for certain firefighters employed by the Federal Government.

Sponsors: Rep. Gerald Connolly [D-VA11]
Status: In Committee
Length: Approx. 430 words

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H.R. 3187 - To reduce and eliminate the tax credit for alcohol fuel mixtures and the tariff on imported ethanol

Sponsors: Rep. Joseph Crowley [D-NY7], Rep. Mary Bono Mack [R-CA45]
Status: Introduced
Length: No text available yet

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H.R. 3188 - To prohibit Federal funding or other assistance for mandatory human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination programs.

Sponsors: Rep. John Gingrey [R-GA11], Rep. Todd Akin [R-MO2], Rep. James Barrett [R-SC3], Rep. Roscoe Bartlett [R-MD6], Rep. Marsha Blackburn [R-TN7], Rep. Kevin Brady [R-TX8], Rep. Jeb Hensarling [R-TX5], Rep. Robert Latta [R-OH5], Rep. Kenny Marchant [R-TX24], Rep. Mike Pence [R-IN6], Rep. Joseph Pitts [R-PA16], Rep. Bill Posey [R-FL15]
Status: In committee
Length: Approx. 890 vords

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H.R. 3189 - To prohibit any increase in the amount established for the Members' Representational Allowance during a period of high unemployment and public debt.

Sponsors: Rep. Dean Heller [R-NV2], Rep. Jason Chaffetz [R-UT3], Rep. Robert Latta [R-OH5], Rep. Cynthia Lummis [R-WY], Rep. Peter Roskam [R-IL6], Rep. Patrick Tiberi [R-OH12]
Status: In committee
Length: Approx. 300 vords

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H.R. 3190 - To restore the rule that agreements between manufacturers and retailers, distributors, or wholesalers to set the price below which the manufacturer's product or service cannot be sold violates the Sherman Act.

Sponsors: Rep. Henry Johnson [D-GA4], Rep. John Conyers [D-MI14]
Status: In committee
Length: Approx. 130 vords

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H.R. 3191 - To amend the Public Health Service Act to provide for integration of mental health services and mental health treatment outreach teams, and for other purposes.

Sponsors: Rep. Patrick Kennedy [D-RI1], Rep. Danny Davis [D-IL7], Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen [R-FL18]
Status: In committee
Length: Approx. 1990 vords

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H.R. 3192 - To require the Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Secretary of State, to establish a program to issue Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Business Travel Cards, and for other purposes.

Sponsors: Rep. Rick Larsen [D-WA2], Rep. Kevin Brady [R-TX8], Rep. Joseph Crowley [D-NY7], Rep. Walter Herger [R-CA2]
Status: In committee
Length: Approx. 380 vords

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H.R. 3193 - To designate the United States courthouse under construction at 101 South United States Route 1 in Fort Pierce, Florida, as the "Alto Lee Adams, Sr., United States Courthouse".

Sponsors: Rep. Thomas Rooney [R-FL16], Rep. Ander Crenshaw [R-FL4], Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart [R-FL25], Rep. Alcee Hastings [D-FL23], Rep. Ron Klein [D-FL22], Rep. Connie Mack [R-FL14], Rep. Jeff Miller [R-FL1], Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen [R-FL18]
Status: In committee
Length: Approx. 130 vords

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H.R. 3194 - For the relief of Sainey H. Fatty.

Sponsors: Rep. Addison Wilson [R-SC2]
Status: In committee
Length: Approx. 350 vords

U.S..Senate Activity - July 13, 2009

S. J. RES. 18 - Relating to the approval of the proposed agreement for nuclear cooperation between the United States and the United Arab Emirates.

Sponsors: Sen. Kerry (D-MA), Sen. Lugar (R-IN)
Status: In committee
Length: Approx. 64 words.

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S. 1444 - A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to clarify the meaning of "combat with the enemy" for purposes of service-connection of disabilities.

Sponsors: Sen. John Kerry [D-MA]
Status: Introduced
Length: Text not submitted yet

Obama Reception Debatable, Bounces Pitch

Yahoo Sports - Obama reps Chicago's South Side, delivers first All-Star pitch

Where did it land? Was it a strike or wasn't it? Why didn't the network choose a better camera to shoot from? Those were the questions that viewers of baseball's All-Star Game were asking themselves at home after Fox elected to show President Barack Obama's ceremonial first pitch at the 80th All-Star Game from a tight angle.

Ruling as a part-time umpire who had a good view from the pressbox at Busch Stadium, Obama's pitch was a no-doubt-about-it ball, even factoring in an expanded strike zone for the Commander-in-Chief. Obama's southpaw delivery landed a little short of the plate, but Cardinals star Albert Pujols(notes) was able to save it by quickly scooping it up.

The view on Fox was clearly angled to miss the last part of the pitch. The link above at the end shows the full normal "back of the pitcher" view. Not only did the pitch bounce, Albert Pujols was set up right over over plate instead of behind it.

The more debatable point from the historic moment was the reception the President was afforded by the self-described "best fans in baseball." Though Obama was roundly cheered by the All-Star fans, his live presence still didn't attract the applause that George W. Bush did during a taped announcement by the four previous Presidents before the game and some boos could even be heard among the cheers.

Christians Arrested in Malaysia by Muslims

AP - Malaysia Arrests 9 Christians on Conversion Claim

A lawyer says Malaysian police have arrested nine Christians accused of trying to convert Muslim university students.

Annou Xavier, who is representing the suspects, says they have denied the allegation.

Proselytizing of Muslims by members of other religions is a serious crime punishable by prison in this Muslim-majority country, though the reverse is allowed. Muslims are not legally able to change religion.

Xavier says police detained the nine in a university hostel room near Kuala Lumpur late Tuesday.

Xavier said Wednesday they were visiting friends, but a Muslim student apparently filed a police complaint accusing them of trying to convert Muslims.

Palin on Cap and Trade Bill

Washington Post by Sarah Palin - The 'Cap and Tax' Dead End

There is no shortage of threats to our economy. America's unemployment rate recently hit its highest mark in more than 25 years and is expected to continue climbing. Worries are widespread that even when the economy finally rebounds, the recovery won't bring jobs. Our nation's debt is unsustainable, and the federal government's reach into the private sector is unprecedented.
. . .
Job losses are so certain under this new cap-and-tax plan that it includes a provision accommodating newly unemployed workers from the resulting dried-up energy sector, to the tune of $4.2 billion over eight years.
. . .
So much for creating jobs.In addition to immediately increasing unemployment in the energy sector, even more American jobs will be threatened by the rising cost of doing business under the cap-and-tax plan. For example, the cost of farming will certainly increase, driving down farm incomes while driving up grocery prices. The costs of manufacturing, warehousing and transportation will also increase.

Her solution?

We must move in a new direction. We are ripe for economic growth and energy independence if we responsibly tap the resources that God created right underfoot on American soil. Just as important, we have more desire and ability to protect the environment than any foreign nation from which we purchase energy today.

In Alaska, we are progressing on the largest private-sector energy project in history. Our 3,000-mile natural gas pipeline will transport hundreds of trillions of cubic feet of our clean natural gas to hungry markets across America. We can safely drill for U.S. oil offshore and in a tiny, 2,000-acre corner of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge if ever given the go-ahead by Washington bureaucrats.

Of course, Alaska is not the sole source of American energy. Many states have abundant coal, whose technology is continuously making it into a cleaner energy source. Westerners literally sit on mountains of oil and gas, and every state can consider the possibility of nuclear energy.

Air Force Probed Linked to Murtha

Washington Post - Air Force Project Being Probed is Linked to Murtha

When an Air Force command in north Florida sought new battlefield technologies, Rep. John P. Murtha (D-Pa.) steered millions in federal dollars its way to hire defense contractors.

The research effort at the Pensacola Air Force base fell apart, however, when investigators found evidence that it was used to improperly pay a series of companies linked to Murtha. A handful of defense firms were paid for work that was never done or not called for in the contracts. Some of the companies involved, based in Wyoming, Florida and Murtha's district in Pennsylvania, had hidden owners, prosecutors allege; one was secretly owned by the Air Force official who helped approve the payments.

As prosecutors reveal new details of their criminal probe into the $8 million earmark that Murtha arranged for the Air Force project, one familiar player is never mentioned by authorities. Several of the companies had hired the lobbying firm of the lawmaker's brother, Robert C. "Kit" Murtha.

Today, one of Kit Murtha's earliest clients has agreed to tell the government what he did and the crimes he said he saw committed as the lead contractor on the Murtha-orchestrated project. Richard "Rick" Ianieri, former chief executive of Coherent Systems International, is expected to plead guilty to taking kickbacks and preparing fraudulent invoices. Ianieri, a Pennsylvania entrepreneur, saw his business grow dramatically after hiring Kit Murtha's firm, KSA Consulting.

Silencing Dissent - Part of the Stimulus Plan

AP - White House Turns Up Heat on Arizona Senator

The Obama administration is firing back at Sen. Jon Kyl for calling for an end to economic stimulus spending, and it's aiming where it hurts the most — at home in Arizona.

The White House on Tuesday released letters from four cabinet secretaries to Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer, a Republican, citing Kyl's comments and outlining transportation, housing, Indian education and other projects in his home state they said would be eliminated if the senator has his way.

...

John McCain, the state's senior senator, backed up his colleague: "I strongly support the comments of Senator Kyl and call on the administration to retract its threat against the citizens of Arizona."

The president of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry also came to Kyl's defense, posting a column Tuesday on the chamber's Web site under the headline: "Don't Bully Arizona."

"It is one thing to joust with Senator Kyl over his position, but it is an entirely different matter for Cabinet secretaries to write letters to the chief executive of a state and threaten funding if support isn't provided," wrote Glenn Hamer.

So this is how you silence dissent.

NY City Councilman Resigns

NY Times - Councilman Quits, One Step Ahead of Criminal Charges

City Councilman Miguel Martinez resigned abruptly on Tuesday as federal prosecutors, who are investigating a nonprofit group to which he directed city funds, filled a notice that they were prepared to file criminal charges against him.
...

In March, investigators raided the offices of the Upper Manhattan Council Assisting Neighbors, a group founded in 1998 to help small businesses and underserved immigrant and Latino populations in Washington Heights and Inwood.

It received little city support until 2006, after Mr. Martinez’s sister, Maria, joined the board in an unpaid position. Since then, it has received more than $1.4 million in City Council funds, including more than $400,000 sponsored directly by Mr. Martinez, according to Council records.

8.5 Million to fired GM Chief

Bloomberg - Former GM Chief to Retire Aug. 1, Get Reduced Payout

Former General Motors Corp. Chief Executive Officer Rick Wagoner, who was eligible for $20.2 million in retirement pay under previous agreements, will get about $8.5 million over the next five years, the company said.
...
As part of the reorganization, the U.S. government controls about 61 percent of the company. Canadian governments will have 11.7 percent, a union retiree trust will have 17.5 percent and creditors will have the rest.

GM Head Steps Down

Bloomberg - Rattner Departs as Head of U.S. Panel Overseeing GM, Chrysler

July 14 (Bloomberg) -- Steven Rattner stepped down as head of the U.S. panel that forced General Motors Co. and Chrysler Group LLC into bankruptcy, signaling the government was easing into a new role as a passive investor in the automakers.

His departure leaves Ron Bloom, a former union adviser and Lazard Ltd. vice president, to oversee remaining Obama administration carmaker decisions, including when to sell stakes in the two companies it bailed out with more than $75 billion in taxpayer money.

Rattner, the Wall Street investor named by President Barack Obama to lead the task force in February, pushed through the reorganizations by demanding concessions from the union, the carmakers and bondholders, and firing GM Chief Executive Officer Rick Wagoner.

Rattner is a Wall Street investor - who else was he involved with?

Rattner has no plans to return to Quadrangle Group LLC, the New York City private equity firm he co-founded, according to a person familiar with his plans. Adam Miller, a spokesman for Quadrangle, declined to comment, and Rattner couldn’t be reached.

Quadrangle in April was linked to federal and state probes of millions of dollars in pension fund kickbacks in New York.

While at Quadrangle, Rattner managed New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg's multi-billion dollar investments according to a NY Times article from Jan. 16, 2008.

Truth on Display

"Truth on Display" is about shining the light of truth on the news of the day. Truth is not relative - it's about actual events that happen everyday - and taken in its context - these events mean more than we know.

Knowledge is the root of real change.