Out of Control Congress Taking Expensive Vacations on Taxpayer Money
July 7th, 2009 by Skip McGrath
Overseas boondoggle trips (called fact finding missions) by congressmen and senators have expanded to the highest level in history. While we are being asked to tighten our belts, an arrogant congress is out of control. They are not just spending money on pet projects -they are spending it on themselves.
According to The Wall Street Journal, hundreds of lawmakers (and their spouses and entourages) traveled overseas last year at a record taxpayer cost of $13 million. And that doesn’t include off-budget costs like spending in war zones or borrowing government planes to jet set abroad.
Congressional Travel Spending
Some of last year’s most diplomatically vital trips include: Five representatives checked out the Galapagos Islands to “learn about global warming.” Six senators attended the Paris Air Show. Eight lawmakers enjoyed a delightful eight-day Italian excursion. And perhaps taking the cake, the House Homeland Security Committee’s jaunt to Brazil, Argentina, Peru and Panama… pertaining to the defense of U.S. borders, we must assume.
While the official numbers aren’t out yet, the WSJ claims expenses this year appear just as outrageous. There are over 20 government employees whose sole job function is to plan congressional outings. And no one is flying in the back of the plane. Overseas trips are on government owned executive jets or when they fly commercial they are in First Class -for “security” reasons of course.
WAKE UP AMERICANS!!!!!!
I want my America back, it is trying to slip away. I am going on 66 and have never been to a town meeting or rally. That changes today, I am going to my first, I only hope I can control my temper. Change is needed……..that change is replacing politicians, both Democrat and Republican that do not want to abide by our constitution and what the voters want.The voters wanted what we now have, I strongly feel that will change in 2010 and 2012.
WAKE UP AMERICANS………….PLEASE………
Hiya, cool site an all. Thanks for taking the time to write such interesting info. Keep it coming!