Boxer Asks President to Support Using Unspent Iraqi Reconstruction Funds for Infrastructure Repairs

[The Straight Story]

Boxer Asks President to Support Using Unspent Iraqi Reconstruction Funds for Emergency Infrastructure Repairs in America

Thursday, August 9, 2007

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) today sent the following letter to President Bush:

August 9, 2007

President George W. Bush

The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500


Dear Mr. President:

The deadly bridge collapse in Minneapolis is a tragic wake-up call for us to address our nation’s aging infrastructure.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, more than 73,000 of our nation’s bridges are rated structurally deficient. It is clear that America’s infrastructure is in desperate need of repairs, and we must act now and provide emergency funding to prevent future tragedies.


Because of this urgent need, I ask for your support in using unspent Iraqi reconstruction funds for immediate investment in emergency infrastructure repairs in America.


On July 31, the Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction testified that 10 percent of the $21 billion appropriated for the Iraq Relief and Reconstruction Fund has not been spent on projects in Iraq. These funds – $2.1 billion – should be used to begin fixing the most vulnerable infrastructure in our country.


As Chairman of the Environment and Public Works Committee, I know that if we team up on this crucial issue, we can move swiftly and without extended debate. You supported these funds for Iraq’s infrastructure and I’m asking you to support these funds for America’s infrastructure.

I appreciate your consideration of this important request and look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,



Barbara Boxer

United States Senator

http://boxer.senate.gov/news/releases/record.cfm?id=280759

[HysteryDiagnosis]

1. Convince * that the terrahists might see the weaker bridges and

dams as easy targets and then you might get him thinking like a president instead of a messianic resident.

[rodeodance]

2. --here we are, squabbling over iraq potential leftovers!