Key Democrats Question Bush on Sept. 11 Funds

[Robbien]

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Two congressional Democrats on Monday demanded a full accounting of how the Bush administration used emergency money intended to respond to the Sept. 11 attacks, after a book alleged some funds were diverted to prepare for the Iraq war.

Sen. Robert Byrd and Rep. David Obey, senior Democrats on the Senate and House of Representatives Appropriations Committees, said in a letter to President Bush they had "numerous concerns about the administration's stewardship" of the $40 billion emergency package Congress approved right after the Sept. 11 attacks.

Their letter came after journalist and author Bob Woodward charged in his book "Plan of Attack" that Bush began preparing for war with Iraq within weeks of the Sept. 11 attacks in 2001, and funded the war preparations with $700 million from the emergency appropriation without consulting Congress.

The administration last week denied any wrongdoing and said no money was used for war preparations until after Congress passed a resolution on Oct. 11, 2002, authorizing the use of force in Iraq.

http://wireservice.wired.com/wired/story.asp?section=Breaking&storyId=856383&tw=wn_wire_story

[KC21304]

1. That's my Congressman Dave ! What a guy.

[yardwork]

2. "Required by law..." Hm.

Another impeachable offense. I hope that somebody in Congress is keeping a tally.

I want to see the Chimp and his thugs behind bars when this is all over.

[liarliartieonfire]

3. "...denied any wrongdoing"

Bush, "I haven't made any mistakes."

and next up..the draft. We REALLY NEED all you highly skilled techies who USED to be gainfully employed. "Outsourcing is good for America."

[proud patriot]

4. YEAH !

Right on :headbang:

[TacticalPeek]

5. Ooorah!!!

They can't handle the truth.

:kick:

[Beetwasher]

6. OK, But, Where the Hell is The Major Media on This?

I mean, John Kerry's medals/ribbons bullshit is more important I guess than missappropriation of funds on a massive scale?

[lovedems]

7. While this is great news and those congressmen are absolutely

doing the right thing, I just find it ironic that it takes a book for the congress to find out about this. This either speaks to the secrecy of this administration or the house appropriations committee being asleep at the wheel. You would think they would have questions about 700 million before this. I know that is petty cash when it comes to federal funds but still, it is a year and half and they should have known that money went somewhere.

I am glad they are on it nonetheless.

[maddezmom]

8. keep the pressure on

hopefully, we'll see this get widespread coverage tonight or tomorrow.