BrianGarst.com

Deficit spending is out of control.  At times like this, Congress should be looking everywhere for savings.  It certainly shouldn’t be forcing the purchase of items that haven’t been requested:

In the 2010 defense spending bill, the Air Force originally requested money for one C-37 and three C-40s as part of its effort to replace its aging fleet. But the House Appropriations Committee added an extra $132 million for two more C-37s and $200 million for two more C-40s, according to an aide to the panel.

…Though Roll Call reported Wednesday that two of the C-37s are to be assigned to units that routinely transport government officials and members of Congress, the aide disputed the notion that Congress was just awarding itself an upgrade, saying both types of jets can be used for “many purposes” including transport of military personnel and officials — not just elected officials.

“It’s not like there’s two planes assigned for flying members of Congress around,” the aide said. “It’s not like Congress is buying Congress planes here.”

But when asked about the addition, Pentagon spokesman Geoff Morrell said the military generally frowns upon any appropriations that are above and beyond what is asked for, adding the military only asks for what it needs.

…Tom Fitton, president of the watchdog group Judicial Watch, said members of Congress are abusing the military by using their jets too often for travel. He said that except for trips to war zones, members should fly commercial and expense it. He surmised the latest funding for more jets reflects members’ personal interest in being able to fly in style.

“Congress wants to be ferried around as if they’re kings and queens and they want to do it on taxpayer dime,” he said.

In addition to the self-interest apparently behind this particular case, Congress has a perpetual problem separating legitimate military needs and back-yard politics.  Every member of Congress wants money funneled to his or her district, and military projects are a favorite means to accomplish that goal.  Some are even open about it, arguing that we should support this or that allocation because it “creates jobs,” and not just because it’s necessary for the defense of this nation.  It doesn’t.  Every dollar spent must first be taken out of the private sector.

Frivolous spending is every where.  If we are ever going to get our fiscal house in order, we need to be just as serious about reducing unnecessary spending in the name of defense as we are all other kinds.

budget deficit defense spending