Politics Give Some U.S. Subsidies Staying Power.

[elleng]

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. — It is called the airport to nowhere and for years taxpayers have footed the bill.

On the outskirts of this faded steel town, the John Murtha Johnstown-Cambria County Airport boasts a modern runway, a high-tech security area even a trendy restaurant. It lacks one thing: passengers.

Each year, Washington’s Essential Air Service program pays about $1.6 million for three daily flights between here and Dulles International Airport outside of Washington. Most flights have 10 or fewer people on board and the airport is virtually deserted. Many travelers drive two hours to Pittsburgh, Pa., where fares are often lower and flights are plentiful.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/15/us/politics/15spend.html?hp

[denverbill]

1. And who is the politician that uses it?

I hope not a Democrat, but either way, that's just a perfect example of the type of pork that should be eliminated.

[WatsonT]

2. Now would be a good time to publicly humiliate these senators and get rid of this nonsense

most of the country is focusing on spending right now.

Call out the handful of politicians who push stuff like this through and say "is it really worth cutting social security so you can have your own private airport for your beach house?"

[elleng]

3. Yes BUT I suspect its more than a mere 'handful.'

For example, 'When Mr. McCain proposed ending the program, he faced opposition from rural Republican lawmakers in Kansas and Mississippi who joined Democrats from Nebraska and West Virginia. The coalition drew support from senators like Charles E. Schumer, Democrat of New York, who said eliminating the subsidy would cost jobs and stifle growth.'