Garrett Decries Pork in Katrina Aid Bills

Press Release

Washington, Sep 8 - Congressman Scott Garrett today joined over a dozen members of the House as well as Senators John McCain of Arizona and Tom Coburn of Oklahoma to announce opposition to unrelated pork projects in legislation designed to help victims of Hurricane Katrina.

"Given all the excessive, wasteful and fraudulent spending in which our federal government routinely engages, the American people deserve an accurate account of Hurricane-related spending," Garrett said. "This disaster is not an excuse to fleece taxpayers with pet projects. Such wasteful spending is an affront to the victims along the Gulf Coast."

Today, Congress is considering a $51.8 billion supplemental aid package so emergency relief efforts do not go unfunded. The $10.5 billion passed last week will run out by this evening.

Citizens Against Government Waste, a watchdog group committed to the cause their name implies, pressed lawmakers to join in committing to oppose. Congressman Garrett signed the CAGW pledge to oppose loading hurricane relief bills with unnecessary pork projects.

"Congress will spend billions upon billions in an effort to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina, and rightfully so," Garrett said. "We must ensure every cent is spent on those who need it."

Source