Agencies diverting millions in funding

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_page=2798&u_sid=10230718

Published Sunday | January 13, 2008
Agencies diverting millions in funding
BY JAKE THOMPSON
WORLD-HERALD BUREAU

WASHINGTON — When members of Congress steer millions in federal dollars to their home states through earmarking, budget watchdogs howl.

Where's the scrutiny and accountability, they — and the administration — complain.

Now congressional leaders are on the offensive, criticizing federal agencies for taking a little off the top of the earmarked funds before they are distributed.

A congressional report says 17 federal agencies withheld a percentage of the earmarked money as it was funneled to recipients. Some agencies say they did it to cover their legitimate administrative costs in overseeing how the money is spent.

However, the report noted that some dollars may have been used for other purposes, and that there was "little transparency" in the administration of earmark spending.

Now, some members of Congress, led by Sen. Ben Nelson of Nebraska, want to know why the money was withheld and what authority the agencies claimed to do so.

FULL story at link.

[ursi]

1. this is a Clinton America = just like a Bush America

[floridablue]

2. Dag Nabit

We stole that money fair and square. Give it to us. Steal your own goldarned money Bushies.

[TwilightGardener]

3. Fight for those earmarks, Benny!

:eyes: