Defense Lobbyists Throw Fancy Ritz-Carlton Party For Rep Responsible For Billions In Wasteful Pork
Defense Lobbyists Throw Fancy Ritz-Carlton Party For Buck McKeon, Congressman Responsible For Billions In Wasteful Pork
McKeon has fought to restore some $450 billion in funds to the defense budget, while slashing programs for the elderly, teachers, and other essential services.
By Lee Fang posted Jun 7th 2012 at 9:00AM
Congressman Buck McKeon (R-CA), chair of the Armed Services Committee, receives a toast at the Ritz Carlton at a banquet hosted by military contractors and their lobbyists
While government services are being slashed and every American told that they can expect less retirement benefits, Congress is moving to increase the amount taxpayers hand over to defense companies. From the F-35 jet, which will carry a lifetime cost of over $1.45 trillion dollars, to a $594 million“slush fund” of new Pentagon programs, lawmakers continue to shovel incredible amounts of precious public dollars over to military contractors.
The reason for this spending extravaganza should be obvious: Defense companies have some of the most effective and expensive lobbying strategies of any special interest.
And last Thursday, at the Ritz Carlton of Tyson’s Corner just outside the Beltway, a legion of military contractors convened to thank the biggest defense industry porker in Congress: Representative Buck McKeon (R-CA). The event was hosted by the National Defense Industries Association, a lobby group for major weapons manufacturers and other military-related companies.
A look at the sponsors of the black tie event revealed some of the biggest recipients of taxpayer money, including Lockheed Martin to General Electric, EADS North America, Bechtel, and Pratt & Whitney (a key contractor of the wasteful F-35). Republic Report arrived at the event, but we were not allowed in. Here’s all the video we could capture:
Video & More:
http://www.republicreport.org/2012/mckeon-lobbyist-ritzcarlton/
