$700 million diverted to Iraq War is the big Woodward bombshell

[Ugnmoose]

I think alot of what we heard from Woodward was not all that shocking or surprising. The one comment that should have an immediate consequence is the fact that $700 million was illegally diverted from appropriations approved by Congress for the Afghan conflict (presumably to catch OBL) without Congressional knowledge or approval. According to Woodward this is a violation of the U.S. Constitution.

So just how will our illustrious members of Congress deal with this revelation?

If you want to make some noise call your representatives tomorrow and ask for their reaction then report back to DU.

I for one am not holding my breath that anything will come of it.

[FlashHarry]

1. That and the Saudi oil price fixing scheme.

There were several bombshells in this interview.

[mhr]

2. Don't We Hear The 'publicons Preaching Free Market Theory At Every Turn

One guesses that does not apply to the Bush Administration

[TahitiNut]

3. Not just illegal - unconstitutional.

There're two specific controls in the Constitution intended to keep war powers as close to the People as possible: the exclusive power of Congress to declare war and the requirement that no military funding last for more than two years. In both Iran-Contra and this, the Executive illicitly circumvented the clear war powers cited and violated the oath to "support and defend the Constitution."

[BlueJazz]

4. Of course, the real pissy thing is.....

...if a Democratic President had pulled crap like this, Monday morning we would see Repugs across the land calling for the most
in-depth investigation that this country had ever had....

[Democat]

5. Will the Democratic Party stand up to Bush on this?

That is the question that will determine whether or not it becomes a major story.

If most elected Democrats continue to be silent, then nothing will ever stick to Bush.

[AlinPA]

6. That gas price lowering near 11/2 by Saudis won't help either n/t

[JPJones]

7. It's called the Anti-Deficiency act

Misappropriation is to government officials as tax evasion is to mobsters.


Sec. 1341. - Limitations on expending and obligating amounts

(a)(1) An officer or employee of the United States Government or of the District of Columbia government may not -

(A) make or authorize an expenditure or obligation exceeding an amount available in an appropriation or fund for the expenditure or obligation;

http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/31/1341.html

Sec. 1350. - Criminal penalty

An officer or employee of the United States Government or of the District of Columbia government knowingly and willfully violating section 1341(a) or 1342 of this title shall be fined not more than $5,000, imprisoned for not more than 2 years, or both

http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/31/1350.html

[emulatorloo]

8. Showing top secret war plans to Bandar, On Mission From God

those two are pretty big too.