Following the lead of the Department of Homeland Security's terrorism threat system, CAGW thought it would be in the interest of taxpayers to know when their tax dollars are most in danger of being wasted.
Current Status: GUARDED
The Pork Advisory Level rose to GUARDED as Congress reconvened at noon today, thus beginning its 109th session. This session welcomes 38 new house members and nine freshman senators to the ranks of the federal legislature. No votes are scheduled for the week; meaning that rookie and veteran legislators alike will have to wait a little longer before they can begin spending taxpayer’s dollars.
President Bush recently announced plans to reduce the federal deficit by half over the next five years. The administration’s federal budget for fiscal 2006 is purported to “provide resources for our military and protect the homeland” while maintaining “strict discipline in spending tax dollars.” The budget will be due to Congress in February 2005.
Bush’s tough talk is good news, but only if followed by even tougher action. Cutting the deficit in half is necessary, but not sufficient. The incoming 109th Congress and the president need to cut spending anywhere and everywhere in 2005 and begin work on appropriations bills without pork spending.
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