33 Members of Congress Directed Federal Projects within 2 Miles of Own Property

Thursday, February 09, 2012


Sen. Harry Reid Another example (33 to be precise) of why earmarks are a bad idea has come by way of a Washington Post investigation.

After going through congressional records on spending, the newspaper found 33 representatives and senators had directed more than $300 million in earmarks and other spending provisions to public projects located next to or within about two miles of the lawmakers’ personal property.

Among the lucky legislators are:

· Senator Harry Reid (D-Nevada), who brought in $21.5 million to build a bridge over the Colorado River to link the gambling resort of Laughlin, Nevada, with Bullhead City, Arizona, where Reid owns 160 acres of undeveloped land.

· Representative G.K. Butterfield (D-North Carolina), who obtained $817,500 to revitalize buildings less than three-quarters of a mile from 19 properties he owns.


READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE:
http://www.allgov.com/Top_Stories/ViewNews/33_Members_of_Congress_Directed_Federal_Projects_within_2_Miles_of_Own_Property_120209