Watch your pocketbook when government "compromises"

"Compromise" among government officials is never about how much, but simply how.

Senators compromising on FEMA expansion

September 16, 2006

WASHINGTON --Senators have agreed on a compromise to restructure and expand the Federal Emergency Management Agency, restoring some of its responsibilities. The FEMA director, currently David Paulison, would have direct access to the president in a crisis, but the agency would remain a part of the Homeland Security Department. The compromise will be included in a budget bill Congress is scheduled to vote on this month.

Sen. Susan Collins, who heads the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, worked out the compromise late Friday with Sen. Joe Lieberman of Connecticut, the committee's top Democrat.

"This legislation will provide FEMA with the authority, resources, and leadership necessary to help us be better prepared for the next catastrophe, whether it is natural disaster or a terrorist attack," Collins, R-Maine, said Saturday.

More truthfully stated: "This legislation will coerce taxpayers into further funding FEMA with the authority, resources, and leadership necessary to blunder again."

Democrats have criticized the Medicare prescription drug bill, but for not spending enough. Their criticism of FEMA has the same basis, and Republicans are only too eager to accept the challenge of spending more of other people's money.