Lawmakers To Insist On Oversight Of Iraq Money (WaPo)

[WillyT]

<snip>

The emphasis on oversight appeared to mark a shift from the more permissive mood that prevailed in the aftermath of the Sept . 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Recognizing the need for flexibility to deal with unknown threats, Congress handed the administration unprecedented leeway to spend money to defend the United States and fight terrorism abroad.

The Pentagon, for example, was allowed to set up the unique Defense Emergency Response Fund (DERF), from which about $28 billion has been withdrawn without the prior approval of Congress mandated by the Constitution.

That money, provided through a series of measures signed into law between Sept. 18, 2001, and Aug. 2, 2002, was used to pay for the war in Afghanistan, upgrade reconnaissance aircraft, improve security at U.S. military bases, pay for the call-up of reserves, and establish forward bases in Central Asia and countries in the Persian Gulf region.

On April 18, 2003, President Bush signed another "emergency" spending bill that set aside $62 billion for the Pentagon, of which $15.7 billion was in an Iraqi Freedom Fund. The provision gave the Pentagon "unfettered flexibility" over at least $10.5 billion to $11 billion of the amount, Defense Department Comptroller Dov S. Zakheim said at the time. But in return for the flexibility, Congress required the administration to consult and report on the use of the special funds -- a mandate that some members in both parties believe was not always heeded.

<snip>

Link: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A6834-2004May6.html

Oh how cute! Congress is gonna go back to doing their job. Isn't that sweet???

:argh:

[Nlighten1]

1. Demanding isn't the same as getting...

This shameful excuse of a Congress had better get their act together soon.

[agingdem]

2. Exactly!

So far Congress has "demanded" a look at Cheney's energy grabfest, "demanded" a look at hidden costs of the Medicare bill and the late night arm-twisting, "demanded" a hearing on the nonexistant WMD intelligence and the list goes on...

[Nlighten1]

3. Right...

These people in Congress are putting up a "Loyal Opposition Front" but in reality they are giving the Prez Clown everything he wants. No questions asked.

[dusty64]

4. So they are finally

considering doing their job?

[ozymandius]

5. But isn't this a violation of the seperation of powers?

A bit like Condoleezza Rice's testimony before the 9/11 Commission?

</sarcasm>